PARISH NEWS

FLESH & BLOOD

Generally, we use the expression “flesh and blood” to emphasise the natural limitations of human feelings and weaknesses. Jesus is subject to human feelings and weaknesses, but his offering of flesh and blood is the path to ultimate victory.

“If you do not eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you will not have life in you.” (Jn 6:54). How confronting is that! What could Jesus mean? Even twenty first century listeners, hardened to horrific imagery, recoil at the notion of offering one’s own flesh for eating. It is bizarre, and shocking. Already, some listeners had complained when Jesus identified as “the bread that came down from heaven” (Jn 1:41), as “living bread” (Jn 6:51) and now this!

Some context is required here. John’s gospel throughout emphasises Jesus as the Word of God made flesh. “And the Word became flesh and lived among us’ (Jn 1:14). Jesus is God speaking to us in a fragile and vulnerable human frame. As the Word, his flesh and blood are “real food and drink” indeed. His startling pronouncement is invitation to radical engagement with him in proclaiming the Father’s love in words and works, voice and hands. He invites us to join him in surrendering his very flesh in that mission.

Then and now, his words challenge his listeners. Half-hearted acquiescence: being “a little Jesus like”, doesn’t cut it. We too must decide, “are we in or out?” If we are in then we attempt to follow Jesus in our relationships with others, giving our flesh, our very lives, as he did. Rather than bread for a day as the ancestors experienced, Jesus offers himself as life-giving bread, the Word. His Word is the transforming nourishment that empowers and energises disciples to live as he lives.

Catholics understand the connection between participation in the Eucharist and the life-giving nourishment Jesus promises his followers. Called to live as Jesus did in the world, consummation of his flesh and blood in Eucharist is our regular sustenance.

Deacon Mark Kelly