This passage from John has a specific meaning for Catholics. I am sharing my thoughts below so those not Catholic reading this reflection can understand how we interpret the passage. This reflection is not meant to be argumentative. The Liturgy of the Eucharist in the Catholic Mass includes deep gratitude for the Father in addition to Christ and Holy Spirit. For instance, when we participate in Holy Communion, we acknowledge the Father’s heavenly role in the indescribable beauty of Transubstantiation. We believe we are each personally receiving “the bread of life” in real-time. In the closing prayers, we ask for the benefits of eternal life with Jesus within to remain active. We believe that this bread of life is incremental; we do not lose Jesus between the times we receive Communion but gain more strength to trust that Christ will bring us to the Father. We also support the idea that the Eucharist is not the only way that Trinity’s presence brings us one step closer to seeing the face of God.
The Communion of the Apostles by James Tissot painting at full resolution.
More details are available on the Brooklyn Museum website.
Additional Eastertide Reflections
John 6:44-51 – Scripture*
44 No one can come to me unless drawn by the Father who sent me; and I will raise that person up on the last day. 45 It is written in the prophets, ‘And they shall all be taught by God.’ Everyone who has heard and learned from the Father comes to me. 46 Not that anyone has seen the Father except the one who is from God; he has seen the Father. 47 Very truly, I tell you, whoever believes has eternal life. 48 I am the bread of life. 49 Your ancestors ate the manna in the wilderness, and they died. 50 This is the bread that comes down from heaven, so that one may eat of it and not die. 51 I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Whoever eats of this bread will live forever; and the bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh.”
Additional Thoughts
Thank you for meditating on this Gospel and reading this Lectio Divina on John 6:44-51 Reflection – Life with Jesus Within.
Would you like to contribute related thoughts to these Lectio reflections of the Gospel readings or other contemplative material to this Web-based ministry? Do you see God’s grandeur everywhere and unconditionally enjoy sharing the love of Christ that you have inside? Are you willing to be anonymous in what you would share? If so, email me.
Prayer for young families:
Lord, let the young families of our communities get to know your joy, peace, comfort, and love despite the world’s distractions.
Attributions
This site has permission to use the New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (NRSVCE) Bible John 6 passage.
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