This Sunday the Church celebrates the holy mystery of the Eucharist. In the Gospel reading from St. John's Gospel, we hear the words of our Lord that make it clear that He expects those who follow Him to eat His flesh and drink His blood. Although He is questioned about this, He never softens His language. Instead, He insists that we must partake of His body and blood in order to enjoy life in communion with Him. In Holy Communion, we literally receive the Body and Blood of Christ. Through the holy mystery of transubstantiation, the bread and wine become the Body and Blood of Christ in order that we may fulfill our Lord's desires to receive Him so intimately. That the food which Christ offers is different food is also clear from our Lord's words when he refers to the manna that the Israelites received in the desert. This food did not allow them to live forever, but the food that Jesus gives--His Body and Blood--will allow us to live forever.

Readings:

Deuteronomy 8:2-3, 14-16
Psalm 147:12-15, 19-20
1 Corinthians 10:16-17
John 6:51-58

Here are a few commentaries on these readings:

• The Two Bodies of Christ - Pontifical Household preacher, Capuchin Father Raniero Cantalamessa


• St. Charles Borromeo Lectionary Site (PDF)


• Word of the 'Living Father' (Also available to be heard as an MP3) from St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology


• Eucharist: The Body of Christ, The Real Presence from The Crossroads Initiative