21st Sunday in Ordinary Time (“B”)
Q. 699: This is a hard saying: to “eat” the flesh of Jesus and “drink” his blood. Help! (Return to INDEX page of "Didja Know?" series)
August 26, 2012
A. 699: Immediately before the present gospel segment today, Jesus had just finished teaching them this crucial fact: “53Very truly, I tell you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. 54Those who eat my flesh and drink my blood have eternal life...”
We have to remember that this would be extremely shocking to Jewish ears, at the surface level. First, the verb for “eat” that Jesus uses means to “gnaw,” or to “munch,” as all the scholars (and a footnote to the NAB) tell us, rather than the more polite word normally used for eating. Secondly, to eat regular meat with “blood” still in the flesh was forbidden by the Mosaic Law (e.g., Gen. 9:4; Lev. 19:26; etc.).
Jesus was aware that many of his followers were offended, and that they were beginning to murmur and complain (John 6:60-69). In fact, many began to turn away and leave; it was too much for them to believe. On the other hand, the twelve apostles made the leap of faith. They were open to Jesus; they knew that his word carried the authority of the Father. So even though they did not fully understand, they accepted him at his word and surrendered their will to His words and will. Therein lies the key for us: surrendering our will in faith and trust in Jesus.
This is too important a subject to leave to my poor words. I would ask each one of you to check out this eleven-minute video by Fr. Robert Barron, a brilliant Catholic theologian, at this website: (Real Presence in the Eucharist). Further, I would urge you to watch and listen to that short video with all of your family present. It explains to all of us how the words of Jesus have the authority behind them to effect changes in reality. Peter recognized that authority, and submitted his will to that of Jesus. So should we.
KNOW YOUR CATECHISM! Jesus asks you, “Do you also wish to go away?” His question echoes through the ages, as a loving invitation to discover that only he has “the words of eternal life” and that to receive in faith the gift of his Eucharist is to receive the Lord himself. (CCC 1336)
Deacon Paul Rooney
Mary Our Queen Parish, Omaha
(Go back to Deacon Paul's HOME PAGE)
