REFLECTIONS ON THE WORD 
John 6, 51 – 58
In the Gospel this 20th Sunday, some have difficulty with Jesus’ teaching that he is the living bread sent from God.
Jesus himself is the bread sent by God; His flesh is the bread that is given for the life of the world.
Among the stumbling blocks for those who heard but did not understand Jesus is the teaching that the bread that Jesus will give is his own flesh. Jesus teaches with even greater emphasis that salvation comes to those who eat his Body and Blood. To many ears, Jesus’ words are disturbing and difficult to hear. Many even today continue to struggle to accept these words.
This is the mystery that is at the heart of our eucharistic theology. In the elements of bread and wine, Jesus’ Body and Blood are made truly present. When we share in the Body and Blood of Christ, Jesus himself comes to dwell within us. This communion with the Lord makes us one body, brings us eternal life, and sends us forth to be Christ’s body for the life of the world. 
