Daily Gospel Reflection for May 10, 2014

Today's Gospel: John 6:60-69

Food for the journey. That is what Jesus offers to each of us. But what we see before us is a piece of white or tan-ish flat bread. This? This is the Body of Jesus Christ? “This saying is hard? Who can accept this?”

I was listening to the Catholic Answers Podcast some time ago. They have a day on which they only ‘feature’ or welcome calls from non-Catholics and from non-believers in anything. One gentleman called in and in a tone that could only convey the feeling that he was talking with a child, he asked Patrick Coffin, “Now really, do you suggest that Jesus was speaking actually... realistically saying he would become a piece of bread? Surely he was speaking as a metaphor for his purpose on earth - his words were meant to feed us -- not his body.”

Yes, this is a hard saying to those outside of our faith. Or they apply all sorts of other meanings and interpretations to Scripture. But what about you? Do you believe? Do you really believe that you consume the real body, blood, soul and divinity of God? If so, you have been given a gift. The gift is a mystery that is almost the equal of the mystery of how the God of the universe commits himself to the form of earthly bread.

However fragile your belief, would you consider to commit to memory the most beautiful after Communion prayer. It’s called Anima Christi -- Body of Christ.

Ponder:

Can you picture yourself at the moment of a worthy reception of Jesus in the Eucharist -- you are in the heavenly court surrounded by angels and saints and the choirs of such magnitude that your heart soars. Christ is seated on the throne. All is truly well in every sense of meaning. Tears run down your cheeks. There is a joy beyond anything you’ve ever experienced. Can you imagine?

Pray:

Soul of Christ, sanctify me
Body of Christ, save me
Blood of Christ, inebriate me
Water from Christ's side, wash me
Passion of Christ, strengthen me
O good Jesus, hear me
Within Thy wounds hide me
Suffer me not to be separated from Thee
From the malicious enemy defend me
In the hour of my death call me
And bid me come unto Thee
That I may praise Thee with Thy saints
and with Thy angels
Forever and ever
Amen

Copyright 2014 Deacon Tom Fox