Monday, 8 June 2026

“I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Whoever eats this bread will live forever. This bread is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.” 

Then the Jews began to argue sharply among themselves, “How can this man give us his flesh to eat?” (John 6:51-52)

John 6:51-58 

On Sunday, we celebrated the Solemnity of Corpus Christi–the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ. 

The Gospel uses Jesus’ own words as he proclaims himself as the living bread which came down from heaven. The Jewish people were scandalised by Jesus’ next words, that Jesus would give his flesh for the life of the world. The Torah strictly forbids blood to be consumed, as it is the seat of life.

According to Leviticus 17:10-14, consuming blood was a severe offence punishable by being cut off from the community. Because the Jews refused to believe in Jesus, they found everything he said offensive. Instead of questioning Jesus, they debated among themselves their literal understanding of Jesus’ command that violated the Torah and basic human decency.

Can we put ourselves in the Jewish people’s shoes and embrace a new teaching and set our old beliefs aside?

Are there times when we study Holy Scriptures that we find something offensive, or contrary to what we believe?

Do we turn to Jesus for clarity, or do we debate with others?
 

Merciful God,
illuminate our minds, hearts and spirits to accept your truth. Remind us to first turn to you for answers to our questions before we debate with fellow human beings.
Amen.
 

 Reflections by Adri Sutherland

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