John 6:52-56 NRSVue

⁵²The Jews then disputed among themselves, saying, “How can this man give us his flesh to eat?” ⁵³So Jesus said to them, “Very truly, I tell you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. ⁵⁴Those who eat my flesh and drink my blood have eternal life, and I will raise them up on the last day, ⁵⁵for my flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink. ⁵⁶Those who eat my flesh and drink my blood abide in me and I in them.

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Some thoughts on this scripture

Reflection
What Jesus is saying is a scandal, so the Jews rebel. Jesus has been trying to bring them to think deeper than the physical, but they cannot follow him. Jesus is saying he is the very ‘embodiment’ of God who gives us life. By receiving him fully we will live in him, and become like him.

Reflection
Lord, these are challenging words indeed. To believe in you is to accept that your never-failing nourishment comes at the price of broken flesh and spilled blood. You invite me into a life of dynamic intimacy, where you are the source of my life. I want to live out of your love, not any lesser love.