In John 6:44-51, Jesus reveals a profound mystery of faith: "No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him." This divine initiative reminds us that our journey toward Christ begins not with our own efforts but with the Father's loving invitation. It is through this grace that we are drawn to the altar, where heaven meets earth in the most sacred of encounters. The Father calls us to recognize His Son in the breaking of bread, inviting us to a communion that transcends human understanding.
When Jesus says, "I am the living bread that came down from heaven," He reveals the reality that would become manifest in the sacred liturgy. This bread is not symbolic but substantial - it is Christ Himself, Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity, truly present. The Eucharist is Jesus Christ, present with us. In every Mass, we stand at the foot of the Cross, witnessing the one perfect sacrifice made present again, as Jesus offers Himself to the Father for our salvation.
"Whoever eats of this bread will live forever." These words illuminate the transformative power of the Eucharist in our spiritual lives. When we receive the consecrated Host, we participate in divine life - Christ dwells within us, and we in Him. This holy communion accomplishes what it signifies: our incorporation into the Mystical Body of Christ. The bread nourishing us is Christ's flesh, given "for the life of the world." Each reception of the Eucharist deepens our participation in the paschal mystery and prepares us for eternal glory.
As pilgrims on our spiritual journey, we find in the Eucharist both viaticum for our pilgrimage and foretaste of the heavenly banquet. The manna that sustained the Israelites in the desert foreshadowed this perfect spiritual food, but those who ate that manna still died. In contrast, the Eucharistic Lord promises that those who feast on His Body and Blood will never experience spiritual death but will be raised up on the last day. This is the mystery of faith we celebrate at every Mass - Jesus Christ's sacrifice made present, His body offered as our food, His promise of eternal life sealed in His precious blood.
©2025 James Dacey Jr.
