Daily Gospel Reflection for August 18, 2024

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

Reflection by Kathy Mallery Schober

Today's Gospel: John 6:51-58

If you find yourself listening to these words from Jesus and feeling challenged, if you find yourself puzzled, if you find yourself wondering . . . congratulations. You are struggling with the great Mystery of the Eucharist.

And you have not turned your back. You have not thrown up your hands. You have not walked away as many followers of Christ have.

The struggle is real. The Mystery is radical, demanding, and essential.

From the first hearers of the Bread of Life discourse down through the ages, every believer has struggled. Yet Jesus just leads us deeper and deeper:

“I am the Living Bread that came down from heaven. . . . Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me and I in him. . . . This is the bread that came down from heaven. Unlike your ancestors who ate and still died, whoever eats this bread will live forever.”

Christ’s presence is no metaphor. It is not a symbol. Jesus is really, truly, substantially present in the Eucharist.

Let your faith speak this truth to you and continue to grapple with the Mystery.

Every time we receive Jesus in the Eucharist and proclaim our amen of faith, we can also pray that God will reveal this Mystery to us a little more and a little more. In this way, our struggle becomes a journey.

Ponder:

How can I reframe my struggle with understanding mysteries of faith into positive momentum?

Pray:

Jesus, my eyes and mind do not see You, but my heart believes. Reveal Yourself to me even more in this Mystery of the Eucharist so that my communion with You may deepen.

Copyright 2024 Kathy Mallery Schober

Kathy Mallery Schober directs Faith Formation, catechizing for over 25 years, and holds a graduate degree in education. As a public speaker and educator, she has earned awards for her work with families and children. Through her YouTube Channel "Domestic Church", @domesticchurchmskathy, Kathy shares her videos for Catholic kids and families.