Prayer:
O Jesus, may I eat your flesh and drink your blood every day of my life.
Imagination:
Picture Jesus teaching to the crowds.
Context:
These are among the most important verses in the New Testament because they provide a clear teaching on the power of the Eucharist to give eternal life. These are verses dear to all Catholics because they teach that Holy Communion is Jesus’ body and blood.
Gospel Text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud.)
Jesus said, “If anyone eats of this bread, he shall live forever; and the bread that I will give is my flesh for the life of the world.” The Jews asked, “How can this man give us his flesh to eat?” Jesus said, “Amen, Amen, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you shall have no life in you.
He who eats my flesh and drinks my blood has everlasting life and I will raise him up on the last day. For my flesh is food indeed, and my blood is drink indeed. He who eats my flesh and drinks my blood abides in me and I in him. As the living Father has sent me and I live by the Father, so, whoever eats of me will have life because of me.
This is the bread come down from heaven. Unlike your ancestors who ate and still died, whoever eats this bread will live forever.” Jesus said these things while teaching in Capernaum.
Thoughts: (Read all. Ponder the ones that attract you.)
- The words are strikingly clear. This “bread from heaven” is Jesus’ flesh and blood.
- Jesus gives an unconditional promise. Whoever eats his flesh and drinks his blood has everlasting life. Jesus will raise them up on the last day.
- Jesus also gives a warning. Unless the person eats his flesh and drinks his blood they will have no life.
- Jesus explains. By eating his body and drinking his blood, the person abides in Jesus just as Jesus abides in the Father.
- Five times, Jesus teaches that His flesh and blood are the food come down from heaven and that whoever eats will live forever.
- The message is important. His disciples remember that he taught this at Capernaum.
Affections: (When one touches your heart, use your own words.)
- Jesus, what could be clearer? The Eucharist is your flesh and blood, and I am invited to the table.
- By your Eucharist, give me eternal life.
- Jesus, Raise me up or else I will perish forever.
- Abide with me. Live in me. Give me your life. I will live forever.
- You warn me O Jesus. Your warning is very serious.
- If I do not I eat this food, I will have no life with you.
- Draw me to your table. I want to live with you forever.
Resolutions: (Possibly you might want to make your own.)
+ I will try to receive Eucharist every day.
+ I will cherish this sacrament as the food of eternal life.