Jesus is responding to his disciples. They are finding it difficult to accept his teaching that they should eat his body and drink his blood.
In some sense, the disciples struggle to accept that Jesus is the ultimate way to eternal life. Must we consume you? Will we find life if we feed on you? Must
we eat you?
Jesus is saying, “If you know who I am, you would not struggle with this. I am the word made flesh; I am God who has chosen to live like you and with you. I am the one who unites you with God; I am the one who brings you to your fullness and life.”
We may be led to ask ourselves about our image of God. “Who do I understand Jesus to be”? This will
determine how we relate to him and how much we decide to depend on him.
It may also lead us to ask how Jesus responds to our doubts and difficulties. He may understand our challenges and try to help us overcome them and draw near to him again.
What is my image of God? Who is Jesus to me?
How has Jesus responded to my moment of
doubt?
Reflections by Sean van Staden SJ
