April 24, 2026
Friday of the Third Week of Easter
Optional Memorial of Saint Fidelis of Sigmaringen, priest and martyr
Gospel: John 6:52–59

Today is Friday of the Third Week of Easter. The Church commemorates Saint Fidelis today. The passage from the Gospel of John continues Jesus’ teaching on the Bread of Life.

At times, like the Jews of old, we too try to understand Jesus’ words about His flesh and blood using merely worldly logic—for our human reason is limited. Even today, many Christians say: “What is in the tabernacle is not truly the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ, but only a symbol.” Others claim: “It is only when the priest takes the host out of the tabernacle and places it upon the altar that the bread becomes the Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Still others say: “This is nothing more than ordinary bread and wine.”

If our understanding of the Blessed Sacrament resembles that of these brothers and sisters who argue amongst themselves before the Eucharist, then we are no different from the Jews in Jesus ‘time. We fail to grasp the true meaning of His words. For they thought Jesus meant He would literally cut flesh from His own body to give them to eat.

The “flesh” and “blood” of which Jesus speaks carry profound biblical meaning. His flesh and His blood refer to His entire life. Whenever we receive His Body and Blood, we receive His very life. Just as our perishable bodies require perishable food to sustain them, so too does our spiritual life require nourishment from the Body and Blood of Christ. When we receive Him, He remains in us and we in Him—bound together inseparably. Thus: “It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God.” (cf. Gal 2:20)

Grant, we pray, almighty God, that we, who have come to know the grace of the Lord’s Resurrection, may, through the love of the Spirit, ourselves rise to newness of life. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever.Amen.

©Totus Tuus 2026
Cum Approbatione Ecclesiastica