Daily Gospel Reflection for May 4, 2017

Today's Gospel: John 6:44-51

This must be one of the most staggering passages in the Gospel. We've heard it so many times, we don't give it a second thought, but as I read and re-read these verses, they wow'd me. So simple, yet so bold.

"I am the bread of life . . . whoever eats this bread will live forever." Those simple words "am," "will," and "forever" offer little room for equivocation.

The boldness of Jesus's promise is almost scandalous. So simple, yet so - crazy! When trying to teach my young children about what is happening at Mass, I'm confronted by that craziness. Our God comes to us in something as simple and familiar as bread so that we may live forever. That little flat disc that doesn't taste like much, THAT'S Jesus. And He will raise you up on the last day.

I've always expected my kids to jump in and correct me, to disagree, or protest that Jesus can't be in bread, but so far it hasn't happened. I think it must be because they trust what I say to them is true, crazy as it may sound. And so I accept what Jesus says as well, crazy as it may sound, because I trust in Him.

[Tweet "The boldness of Jesus's promise is almost scandalous. By @CMAstfalk"]

Ponder:

Do you take for granted Jesus's promises or do you allow Jesus's shocking words to penetrate your heart?

Pray:

Lord, help me not only to believe but to marvel at Your self-donative love and generosity.

Copyright 2017 Carolyn Astfalk