Sunday Gospel Warm-up

Flesh for the Life of the World

John 6: 51-58

This weekend, Jesus continues his teaching about being spiritual food. He describes himself as flesh for the life of the world. Flesh is a provocative word. From the Greek word, it connotes a lifeless body. How can a lifeless body become life for the world? All this points to the cross and Jesus’ body hanging on that cross. That astounding act of love, the offering of his human life, opened up heaven and eternal life for us. When Jesus commands us to eat of his flesh, he is saying emulate and live the same love evident on that cross. Can we, like Him, die to self and offer up our lives for the love of others? Can we pick up our own crosses and live divine love as our Master did, does? By the Grace of God, offered though his Spirit, this is made possible.