John 6:41-51

Gospel according to John 6:41-51

The Jews murmured about Jesus because he said, "I am the bread that came down from heaven," and they said, "Is this not Jesus, the son of Joseph? Do we not know his father and mother? Then how can he say, 'I have come down from heaven'?" Jesus answered and said to them, "Stop murmuring among yourselves. No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draw him, and I will raise him on the last day. It is written in the prophets: They shall all be taught by God. Everyone who listens to my Father and learns from him comes to me. Not that anyone has seen the Father except the one who is from God; he has seen the Father. Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever believes has eternal life. I am the bread of life. Your ancestors ate the manna in the desert, but they died; this is the bread that comes down from heaven so that one may eat it and not die. I am the living bread that came down from heaven; whoever eats this bread will live forever; and the bread that I will give is my flesh for the life of the world."

Reflections

In today’s Gospel readings, Jesus continues to reveal the profound mystery of His identity and mission. He declares, "I am the living bread that came down from heaven." This statement builds on His earlier declaration as the Bread of Life, emphasizing that belief in Him is essential for spiritual sustenance. Just as physical bread sustains our bodies, Jesus, the living bread, sustains our souls. This living bread is not merely a symbol but a reality that nourishes us spiritually, drawing us closer to God.

Jesus introduces and fortifies the concept of His flesh being given for the life of the world, foreshadowing His sacrificial death on the cross. This act of self-giving love highlights the depth of His commitment to humanity's salvation. By offering His flesh, Jesus is not only providing physical sustenance but also offering Himself as the ultimate sacrifice for our sins. This sacrificial offering is a testament to His boundless love and mercy, inviting us to partake in His redemptive work.

The crowd's reaction to Jesus' statement about eating His flesh and drinking His blood reveals a deepening misunderstanding and controversy. Many struggled to grasp the spiritual significance of His words, focusing instead on the literal interpretation. This controversy underscores the challenge of accepting Jesus' divine nature and mission. It calls us to move beyond our limited understanding and embrace the mystery of faith, trusting in Jesus' words and His promise of eternal life.

Jesus promises eternal life to those who partake in His flesh and blood, emphasizing the importance of communion with Him. This promise builds on His earlier assurance of eternal life, highlighting the transformative power of the Eucharist. Through this sacred meal, we are united with Christ, receiving His life-giving presence within us. This communion with Jesus is not just a ritual but a profound encounter with the living God, nourishing our souls and strengthening our faith.

Finally, Jesus speaks about the mutual relationship between Him and His followers, signifying a deep, personal relationship with Him. Just as He lives because of the Father, those who eat of His flesh will live because of Him. This divine source of life highlights the interconnectedness of Jesus and His followers. By abiding in Christ, we are drawn into the very life of God, experiencing His love, grace, and transformative power. This abiding relationship is essential for our spiritual growth and fulfillment, leading us to a deeper understanding of God's presence in our lives.

Sometimes, the mystical understanding of our relationship with God may make us feel as if our hearts sing. King David, in Psalm 89, for example, uses the words “I will sing of your steadfast love, O Lord, forever; with my mouth, I will proclaim your faithfulness to all generations. I declare that your steadfast love is established forever; your faithfulness is as firm as the heavens.” Words may not be able to fully capture the experience of living in the presence of God. It is something that needs to be experienced.

Sometimes, we become aware that here on Earth, we can never fully grasp the mystery. St. Paul worded it this way: “For now, we see in a mirror, dimly, but then, we will see face to face. Now I know only in part; then I will know fully, even as I have been fully known. And now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; and the greatest of these is love.” (1 Corinthians 13:12-13) It is through love that we give and receive the saving grace of God’s presence.

“As the deer pants for water, so I long for you, O God. I thirst for God, the living God. Where can I find him to come and stand before him? Day and night I weep for his help, and all the while my enemies taunt me. “Where is this God of yours?” they scoff.” (Psalm 42) Today, Jesus assures us that the Lord is steadfast, and His love is everlasting.