Walking with Jesus: 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time

For Sunday, August 18, 2024

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

Today we arrive at a central point — actually the central point — of the mystery of our Faith, where Jesus tells us … tells all: “Amen, amen, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood, you do not have life within you.” [John 6:53] Why? we ask. Jesus responds immediately in the next verse: “Whoever eats My flesh and drinks My blood has eternal life, and I will raise them up on the last day.” [John 6:54] Jesus continues: “Just as the living Father sent Me and I have life because of the Father, so also the one who feeds on Me will have life because of Me.” [John 6:57]

Let’s take a look at life lessons we’ve learned from our observations: Life is not lived in a desert all alone, separated from others. We need people and people need each other. And in needing others, we need more than just casual acquaintances. The development of human friendship and love requires presence and signs of affection. Look at children: They need to be touched, embraced, hugged, kissed, comforted and loved, especially by their mothers. Children need the physical presence of a parent or parents, personal care, and individual attention to their needs. This carries over to married partners who need frequent signs of affection and actual presence. This is needed as friendships develop and become closer. All friends need regular contact and presence. This really is the universal law of friendships.

Have you ever made this same connection with God? Think about this: When have we witnessed this during our lifetimes of specialness and importance? We are loved, and these love signs have formed our relationships and our lives. We see that being in this world at this time, having special people around us, seems to be right because it enhances our notion of love. Our relationship to Jesus — His life and teachings, His presence on the cross looking down on you and me — shows love. You really love me that much that that You died for me? Jesus says YES!

• “For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him might not perish but have eternal life.” [John 3:16]
• “I am the good shepherd and I know mine and mine know Me. Just as the Father knows Me and I know the Father, and I will lay down My life for the sheep.” [John 10:14-15]
• “This is My commandment: love one another as I love you. No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friend. You are My friends if you do what I command you.” [John 15:11]

So we examine how we have grown closer to God’s presence: private prayer, Scripture reading, sharing with other believers, receiving the sacraments, being loved, and talking about God. Isn’t it amazing that when we talk with others about God, the conversations aren’t boring? Why? Because we are being touched by others about how God has touched them, and this lifts us up. So often the special times in our lives have been surrounded by our attending Mass and receiving the Eucharist, and sometimes we just want to stay in those moments. Why not? That’s God calling us closer to Himself and His promise of eternal life forever.

The Book of Proverbs presents the image of a luxurious banquet, inviting us to dine with Wisdom. Instead of the food that is necessary for survival or to sustain us for a journey, here the author uses food and drink as a metaphor to tell us that God’s wisdom — giving Himself to and for us — gives life and nourishment to anyone who accepts the invitation. And it asks: What is important in life? Living for now, or living for eternity? And where am I now?

Paul tells the Ephesians not to live foolishly but as “wise persons who seek to understand God’s presence with each of us and ‘give thanks always.’” [Ephesians 5:20] Msgr. Chet Michael, a gifted writer and Spiritual director, said repeatedly: “Gratitude … gratitude … gratitude.” Then he paused and added, “and more Gratitude.” How often do I thank God? How often do I notice how God has been present to me each day? Why not? When we do this regularly, we see how we ARE loved!

In totally clear language, Jesus declares that His flesh is food and His blood is drink ... and He states this four times. Jesus is “flesh and blood,” first as the sacrificial victim on the cross and then as eucharistic food and drink. The Christological interpretation of manna has taken on new meaning. In the Eucharist, the flesh and blood of Jesus have become the source of life for those who partake of it and believe. Blessed are those who have faith and believe.

So I reflect on:

• I look at places in my life where I have lacked understanding and had no interest in increasing my knowledge. Does this exist in finding out more about God, or Scripture, or God’s love for me?
• When I hear or speak with others and see their enthusiasm for God, what does it do for me? Does it lead me anywhere? Am I reluctant to follow?

Sacred Space 2024 states:

“In a world where the poor look for bread and the rich wonder what kind of bread they will have ... what Jesus provides may not suit all tastes but it is genuine and satisfies the deeper hunger. Lord, may we value what You offer and allow it to nourish us for life that is eternal.

“The Jews did not understand what Jesus was saying and disputed among themselves what this bread could mean. May we have the faith and clarity that brings us beyond the logical and practical to what the Lord is offering to us.”