Coffee With God

Reflection: John 6: 60-69

We are at the end of Jesus’ discourse in the synagogue at Capernaum. The Jews, who have gone behind him after seeing the sign of the multiplication of bread, are now faced with a staggering proposal: to welcome him as the bread which came down from heaven. They are confronting a choice to make, whose stakes are high: to continue to live as they have done so far, adapting themselves to the wisdom of this world or make a total change to accept the Word of God, which is the bread of life. If receiving the Body and Blood of Jesus calls for a total giving of one’s life for Christ, who would ever dare to receive it? Majority of the disciples who saw the signs and followed him, but now turn back. It’s too “hard,” they say! Uniting one’s life to Jesus, choosing to give up one’s life, involves too great a risk. “After this many disciples withdrew and no longer followed him”, says the Gospel. Such disciples are present even today in our communities. They are not bad and should not be considered traitors. They realise that the demand is too hard and decide to walk away. Jesus respects their freedom, does not force anyone to “eat his flesh.” Jesus keeps the option open even to his apostles: “Will you also go away?” Although do not fully understand what is involved in adhering to him, Peter, expresses the faith of all and says, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the Words of eternal life.” It is such a profession of faith that Christ expects of us today. The question remains hanging: “Who can ever feel worthy to approach the Eucharistic banquet? Who can be so daring and willing to sacrifice one’s life with Jesus?” If the Eucharist were a reward for the righteous, certainly no one would dare to receive it. But Jesus offers his body and blood for the forgiveness of sins of those who believe in him: it is the food offered to the pilgrim people—sinners, weak, tired, in need of help on earth. In the account of the institution of the Eucharist in the Gospel according to Matthew, when he offers the cup of wine to his disciples Jesus says: “Drink this, all of you, for this is my blood, the blood of the Covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins”. Eucharist is not a celebration of our purity and holiness, rather it is the source of forgiveness of sins and the only way of transforming us into alter Christus – another Christ.