Jesus said we must feed on His flesh (Jn 6:51, 56). "At this the Jews quarreled among themselves, saying, 'How can He give us His flesh to eat?' " (Jn 6:52) "After hearing His words, many of His disciples remarked, 'This sort of talk is hard to endure! How can anyone take it seriously?' " (Jn 6:60) "From this time on, many of His disciples broke away and would not remain in His company any longer" (Jn 6:66).

Jesus caused quarrels and lost many disciples because of His statements regarding eating His flesh and drinking His blood. If He meant this symbolically or poetically, Jesus could have said so and set many peoples' minds at rest. Instead, He stated even more emphatically that His flesh was real food and His blood real drink (Jn 6:55).

Although we don't fully understand it, we must take the Bible as it stands and believe that in a real way Holy Communion is the very Body and Blood of Jesus. We must put our faith in Jesus and say: "You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe; we are convinced that You are God's Holy One" (Jn 6:69). No mere man can reveal this to us, only the heavenly Father (Mt 16:17). No one can come to Jesus unless the Father draws us (Jn 6:44).

Yield to the Father's draw. Walk by faith and not by sight (2 Cor 5:7). Believe and receive Jesus in Holy Communion today and every day.

Rescript:  †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, October 27, 2005

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