Twentieth Sunday of the year (Year B)

Twentieth Sunday of the year August 18, 2024

Proverbs 9:1-6; Ephesians 5:15-20; John 6:51-58

(image courtesy: Google)

A little girl was ill in hospital with a rare blood disorder and was badly in need of a blood donor but a match could not be found. As a last resort, her six-year-old brother was checked as a match and much to everyone’s relief, he was. Both his mother and Doctor sat the little boy down and explained how they would like his blood to help his sister so she would not die. The little boy waited a few moments and then asked if he could think about it. It wasn't the reaction the mother or Doctor expected but they agreed.  The following day the little boy sat in front of the Doctor with his mother and said he agreed to give his sister what she needed. The hospital staff moved quickly for his sister was fading quite fast. So the little boy could understand what was happening, he was placed in a bed next to his sister, so the transfusion began. Quickly, the colour and life began flooding into the little girl and everyone was overjoyed. The little boy turned to the Doctor and quietly asked, "How long will it be before I die?" the little boy thought that by giving his blood, he was giving his own life.

‘Anyone who eats this bread will live forever.’ These words of Jesus from today’s gospel set the tone of our celebration today. We who share this meal share in the life of Jesus. And as he says: ‘As I draw life from the Father, so whoever eats me will draw life from me.’

In today’s gospel passage, Jesus speaks of the food that he gives for the life of the world in many different terms. Firstly, he speaks of it in terms of bread and wine, although he uses the word “drink” not “wine.” But he speaks of it in terms of ordinary and normal food and drink. “Whoever eats of this bread will live forever,” (v.51b) “for my flesh is true food and my blood is true drink” (v. 55).

Secondly, he speaks of it as being his flesh and his blood. “Unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. Those who eat my flesh and drink my blood have eternal life (vv 53-54). “Flesh and blood” is a phrase that means the whole person. Some scholars think that by speaking separately of his flesh (“meat”, not “body” as in the other gospels) and his blood, Jesus is referring to himself as the lamb of sacrifice with its blood separated from its flesh.

And thirdly, he speaks of the life-giving food as himself. “I am the living bread that came down from heaven. ... whoever eats me will live because of me” (vv 51,57). Here he identifies the bread from heaven not just with his body which is only a part of his total person but with himself in its totality.

The first reading from the Book of Proverbs portrays Wisdom as a gracious hostess, preparing a banquet and inviting all to come and partake of her feast. Wisdom calls out to the simple and those lacking understanding, urging them to "come, eat of my bread and drink of the wine I have mixed." This invitation is not just to a physical meal but to a life-giving relationship with Wisdom, which leads to understanding, righteousness, and a deeper communion with God.

The imagery of a banquet in this passage foreshadows the Eucharistic banquet that Jesus will institute, where He offers Himself as the true Bread of Life. Wisdom’s invitation is universal, extending to all who seek life and desire to walk in the ways of understanding. The challenge for us today is to respond to this invitation with openness and humility, recognizing our need for God’s wisdom in a world often driven by pride and self-reliance.

In the gospel, Jesus makes the astounding claim that He is the living bread that came down from heaven. "Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life," Jesus declares, promising that He will raise them up on the last day. This teaching is central to the Catholic understanding of the Eucharist, where we believe that the bread and wine become the Body and Blood of Christ.

Jesus’ words are challenging, and many of His listeners struggle to accept them. Yet, He does not soften His message or offer a metaphorical interpretation. Instead, He insists on the reality of His presence in the Eucharist, a mystery that calls for faith and trust in His promises.

For us today, the Eucharist is the source and summit of our Christian life. It is in the Eucharist that we encounter the living Christ, who nourishes us with His very self and sustains us on our journey of faith. The challenge is approaching the Eucharist with reverence and deep faith, recognizing it as the true Bread of Life that gives us eternal life.

The readings for this Sunday invite us to reflect on the wisdom of God and the gift of the Eucharist. Wisdom calls us to a banquet of understanding and life, while Jesus, the incarnate Wisdom of God, offers us the Bread of Life. As we partake in the Eucharist, let us do so with grateful hearts, seeking to live wisely by aligning our lives with God’s will. May we always draw our source of life from His Body and Blood just as the little boy did towards his sister.

 

Happy Sunday