Recognizing Sacrifice and Love – Reflection on John 6:51-58
When we consume Jesus in any form, such as engagement with the Word or, for some, in Communion, we are asked to believe beyond human understanding and comprehension. To listen is not good enough, as the belief that Jesus abides in us, and we are in Him brings union with God. We must remind ourselves to join the reality of the wholeness of Christ’s mingling with mind, body, and soul. The invitation to become aware of Christ surfacing from within with practice can become continuous. Knowing His ongoing presence is realizing what it means to live now as if we are already eternal. A life lived from the Cross in the combination of our eyes and through His eyes means humbly recognizing sacrifice and love. The effort towards willingly participating as one ripples outward without needing anything in return is not in vain.
The Communion of the Apostles by James Tissot painting at full resolution.
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Additional Ordinary Time Reflections
John 6:51-58 – Scripture*
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.”
52 The Jews then disputed among themselves, saying, “How can this man give us his flesh to eat?” 53 So Jesus said to them, “Very truly, I tell you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. 54 Those who eat my flesh and drink my blood have eternal life, and I will raise them up on the last day; 55 for my flesh is true food and my blood is true drink. 56 Those who eat my flesh and drink my blood abide in me, and I in them. 57 Just as the living Father sent me, and I live because of the Father, so whoever eats me will live because of me. 58 This is the bread that came down from heaven, not like that which your ancestors ate, and they died. But the one who eats this bread will live forever.”
Additional Thoughts
Thank you for meditating on this Gospel and reading this Lectio Divina on John 6:51-58 Reflection – Recognizing Sacrifice and Love.
Would you like to contribute related thoughts to these Lectio reflections on the Gospel readings? Since Lectio is not the only contemplative prayer style, others might appreciate these types of expressions in this 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 worldly distractions.
Attributions
*This site has permission to use the New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (NRSVCE) Bible John 6 passage.
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