Friday of the Third Week of Easter
John 6: 52-59
The Living Bread from Heaven

In today’s Gospel Jesus makes a surprising declaration: “I am the living bread that came down from heaven.” These words startled his listeners—and they continue to challenge us today. How can Jesus give us his flesh to eat?

This is not just a figure of speech. Jesus is speaking about the profound mystery of the Eucharist. The bread we receive at Mass is not merely symbolic; it truly becomes his Body, broken for us, and his Blood, poured out for our salvation. In every celebration of the Eucharist, we are not simply remembering Jesus—we are encountering him, alive and present.

To eat his Body and drink his Blood is to enter into a deep communion with him. As Jesus says, “Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me, and I in him.” This is not just nourishment for the soul—it is life itself. The Eucharist transforms us. By receiving Christ, we are invited to become like Christ: to forgive, to love, to serve, and to give ourselves for others.

This mystery invites two key attitudes: wonder and gratitude. Wonder, because Jesus—true God and true man—gives himself completely to us in something as humble and ordinary as bread. Gratitude, because through this gift, we are never alone. He walks with us, feeds us, and strengthens us for the journey of life.

Do we approach the Eucharist with awe? Do we hunger not only for food, but for salvation—for ourselves and for the world?

Let us turn to the Virgin Mary, who bore the Bread of Life in her womb, and ask her to help us receive Jesus with open hearts and live in joyful communion with him every day.

© Claretian Publications, Hong Kong, China
Cum Approbatione Ecclesiastica 2025