Wednesday of the Third Week of Easter
(Acts 8:1b-8; John 6:35-40)
People sometimes call a subject worth pondering “food for
thought.” Jesus presents his teaching in today’s gospel in this way. His words are not only worth pondering but,
even more cogently, bid one’s following.
This is the first part of the great “Eucharistic Discourse”
of John’s gospel. In the second part
Jesus’ references to the “Bread of Life” will reveal him as Eucharistic food. The
two – wisdom and food – are meant to complement one another. As the Word of God in the first part of the
Mass gives perspective to the sacrifice and sacrament of the second part so Eucharistic
wisdom and food go together.
In trying to understand how Jesus is present in the
Eucharist, some have considered the bread as a symbol. For them the bread inspires thoughts of love
and fortitude. However satisfying this
idea is to modern sensibilities, it is not what the gospel teaches. Especially
John’s gospel instructs that Jesus is physically present in the bread and
wine. When we consume these elements
worthily, we become part of him. We too have conquered sin and will live eternally.
