Lectionary: 119B
Read: John 6:51-58
Gospel Summary
In today’s Gospel, the Jews continue to struggle with Jesus’ words. Jesus again says that he is the living bread that has come down from heaven, and adds that we must eat his flesh and drink his blood in order to have eternal life. The Jews, thinking in literal terms, do not understand what this means or how this can happen.
Reflection for Parents
The Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist is indeed a mystery of faith. In a world where answers to questions and explanations of how things work can be researched in an instant, it can be difficult to sit with such a mystery. Do you ever say to your child, “I don’t know”, “I don’t understand why”, or “I don’t have an answer to that question”? Do you ever look your child in the eye and say, “I have faith in God.” Take some quiet time to think about the mysteries of faith and your own unanswered questions, hopes, and dreams. Then pray, “Lord, help me live with the mysteries. Lord, increase my faith in you.”
Bringing the Good News Into Your Family
This week’s Gospel offers a description of what is at the heart of the Eucharistic feast. We eat Christ’s Body and we drink Christ’s Blood. Yet there is much more to the meal. Choose a night this week to share a family dinner and to then talk about how your family was fed at the meal. Did you thank and affirm one another? Did you listen to the stories told and to the events of each person’s day? How did such sharing and conversation nourish you? Talk about the similarities between the meal you just shared and the Eucharistic meal shared with those in your parish family.
Discussion Starters
- If I could ask God one question today, it would be . . .
- One thing I can do to remain in Jesus is . . .
- To me, the Eucharist is . . .
Call Us Today!