“Amen, amen, I say to you, unless you eat the Flesh of the Son of Man and drink his Blood, you do not have life within you.” Jn 6:53b
Jn 6:53b
Have you ever felt like you were living, but did not have life? In today’s Gospel Jesus provides an answer to all whom are seeking true life, “Whoever eats my Flesh and drinks my Blood has eternal life” (Jn. 6:54a). This challenges our faith in the true presence of Jesus at the Eucharist. The community responds “Amen” at each Mass, but the challenge is mine alone for me to see Christ’s real presence as I approach the Eucharistic table. It is through this true faith, a faith borne from the baptismal waters, that tells me Jesus’ forgiveness in the sacrament of reconciliation, that calls me forward to receive his body – this faith that completes the 54th verse, “Whoever eats my Flesh and drinks my Blood has eternal life, and I will raise him on the last day”, and later “… whoever eats this bread will live forever.” (Jn 6:58b) We are approaching the midpoint of the Easter-time. Take courage when times seem rough, or the day(s) seem to lack life. Recall Our Lord’s promises; Jesus has risen from the dead as He promised. Draw close to him in times of trouble and joy. He is waiting for you.
Do I truly see the presence of Christ in the Eucharist, or have I the scales of St. Paul upon my eyes?
Lord, open my eyes to see you truly in the Eucharist each time I am in your presence. Amen.
Today’s Reflection is by:
Alan Gauzens
Did you know...
Alan Gauzens is a parishioner at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Dunedin. There, he is a lector and active in men’s ministries including the Knights of Columbus, That Man Is You! and Tap Into Discipleship. A 2019 graduate of the Lay Pastoral Ministry Institute, Alan and his wife Joanne have been married for 40 years and are blessed with 4 children.
