John 6:51-53

“The Jews then disputed among themselves, saying, ‘How can this man give us his flesh to eat?’” vs. 52

Not surprisingly, when people heard that the bread of heaven was actually the flesh of Jesus there was great consternation. Those words were too graphic, repelling even, and they couldn’t imagine that this is what Jesus intended. But that’s what the early Christians believed and that’s what they taught. No wonder then that they were accused by the authorities of cannibalistic practices in their secret eucharistic rituals! So it’s not surprising that through the centuries, as theologians wrestled with the question of the Real Presence, many of them came to believe that this isn’t what Jesus really meant. Instead they came up with alternative explanations, ones that were more palatable to believers, and that did not provide a roadblock to faith. One of the most popular was to suggest that Jesus really meant that the bread of Holy Communion represented his body and that his presence was spiritual and not real. Now that seems entirely reasonable and this understanding is probably the one most Christians hold close to their hearts. The problem is that this explanation robs the sacrament of its radical core and destroys its mystery. To continue using the word “flesh” makes Jesus alive in the present and restores power to the Eucharist. To be with someone in the flesh opens us to the thrill of their presence, and is far better than vaguely remembering something they said or did.

Thought for the Day: How does it feel to be with someone in the flesh?