Daily Gospel Reflection for May 5, 2017

Today's Gospel: John 6:52-59

Sometimes it’s hard to explain our faith to others. There are times when we would rather shy away from admitting that, ‘yes, we believe the wafer and wine actually become the body and blood of Jesus.’ But in today’s Gospel reading, Jesus is commanding us that if we do not accept this teaching, that we will not have life within us. He minces no words. He is specific.

And He says "Amen, Amen." I remember when I taught in a Catholic school many years ago. The priest would come every two weeks and teach a short lesson to the children. I was just relearning my faith and soaking up every word as though hearing for the first time. He taught the children that when Jesus used the phrase, “Amen, Amen” he was saying something to the tune of, “Hey, listen up. You are not understanding what I’m saying, so I’m going to repeat myself and you’d better take note!” He put it on their level, but for me, it opened my eyes to the fact that Jesus wanted me to understand something about the Eucharist. He is truly present. He is commanding we receive Him. He wants us to have His life inside of us. He loves us that much. Do we believe that?

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Ponder:

If a stranger met me after watching me during Mass, would they know I believed in the true presence of Jesus in the Eucharist?

Pray:

Lord Jesus, please open our eyes to the truth of your Presence in the Eucharist and help us to pass this gift on to our families so that they, too, will have an open heart and mind to receiving Him always.

Wife to Ricky, mom to Grace, Jackson, Emily, Gianna, Mary, Chiara, and Lucia. The Catholic faith is the source and summit of our lives. We live in the north for now, but hope to return to our southern roots one day soon. Love to be outdoors, reading, and blogging.