Daily Gospel Reflection for April 20, 2024

Join us as we reflect, ponder, and pray together inspired by today's Gospel.

Today's Gospel: John 6:60-69

When my husband and I married on this day many years ago, he was not Catholic. For over twenty years he attended Mass with me and supported our children’s religious education. However, he never converted, admitting that he couldn’t fully understand or believe the Eucharist actually became the Body and Blood of Jesus.

This truth is hard. So much that even many following Jesus and witnessing His miracles stopped following Him. They expected a Messiah who would lead them into revolt and they looked for miraculous healing from their own immediate hardships. But Jesus offers them something greater than relief from their present suffering. He offers everlasting life, a pathway to heaven. Still, Jesus knew that many would not believe.

John’s Gospel doesn’t say that the twelve Apostles didn’t find this saying hard. They didn’t say they accepted and understood everything He was telling them. When Jesus asks if they want to leave, Simon Peter answers for them, "To whom shall we go?" They may struggle with what Jesus says, but they remain with Him until they finally come to understand.

What about us? Do we also struggle with the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist? Do we doubt? Do we say it is hard – and leave Jesus? Or do we recommit to Him, trusting that if we continue to walk with Him, we may also come to understand and receive everlasting life in Him through the Holy Eucharist?

Today is not only special because it’s my anniversary. After twenty-two years of marriage, my husband did finally come to understand the Real Presence. Today, we also celebrate receiving our first Holy Eucharist together, when he entered the church on our 23rd wedding anniversary.

Ponder:

Prayerfully search your own belief in the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist. If you find this hard, continue walking with Jesus in faith, seeking to understand.

Pray:

Lord, I believe that You have the words of eternal life. Strengthen my belief that you are truly present in the Eucharist.

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The Gospel doesn’t say that the twelve Apostles didn’t find this saying hard. They may struggle with what Jesus says, but they remain with Him until they finally come to understand. #DailyGospel

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