Lectio Reflection - Corpus Christi - John 6:51-58

Summary

This lecture reflection on the feast of Corpus Christi explores the metaphor of Jesus as the 'Living Bread' from the Gospel of John. It delves into the Eucharist as a sacrament of both receiving and commitment, emphasizing the necessity of a deeper connection to the divine through the Eucharistic celebration. The discussion invites participants to consider the transformative impact of the Eucharist on their daily lives, encouraging a more conscious approach to communion as an act of self-giving and spiritual nourishment.

Takeaways

• 🍞 The discourse emphasizes that Jesus is the 'Living Bread' that gives eternal life to those who partake in it.
• 📖 The Gospel of John, particularly in chapter 6, discusses the 'Bread of Life' discourse, which is a significant part of the Christian understanding of the Eucharist.
• 🤔 The script raises questions about the absence of the Last Supper's record in John's Gospel and ponders its implications.
• 🕊 The Eucharist is portrayed as a transformative act that requires commitment and participation, not just as a ritual but as a covenant.
• 🔄 The Eucharist is described as a sacrament of initiation and commitment, where believers renew their basic commitment to their faith journey.
• 🌱 The metaphor of 'eating the flesh and drinking the blood' of Jesus is used to convey the idea of receiving spiritual nourishment and entering into a covenant with God.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 The passage invites reflection on the personal impact of the Eucharist and how it should influence one's daily life beyond the church's doors.
• 💭 The script encourages a deeper consideration of what it means to receive the Eucharist and the difference it should make in one's life.
• 🕊️ The idea of the Eucharist as a commitment is highlighted, suggesting that partaking in it is a pledge to live a life of Christian discipleship.
• 🙏 The importance of grounding resolutions in prayer and seeking spiritual guidance to fulfill commitments is underscored.
• 🔚 The conclusion of the script with the Eucharistic prayer ties back to the theme of reverence for the sacrament and the desire for redemption through Christ.

Q & A

What is the central theme of the lecture on the feast of Corpus Christi?

The central theme of the lecture is the reflection on the Eucharist as the 'Bread of Life' discourse from the Gospel of John, emphasizing the importance of the Eucharist in Christian spirituality and life.

What is the significance of Jesus referring to himself as 'The Living Bread'?

Jesus referring to himself as 'The Living Bread' signifies that he is the source of eternal life, and by partaking in the Eucharist, believers can have a spiritual connection with him and attain eternal life.

Why did some of the Jewish hearers and disciples walk away during Jesus' discourse on the bread of life?

Some of the Jewish hearers and disciples walked away because they found the idea of eating Jesus' flesh and drinking his blood as metaphors for spiritual nourishment difficult to comprehend and accept.

What does the lecturer suggest about the Eucharist and the Christian life?

The lecturer suggests that the Eucharist is integral to the Christian life, representing a commitment to the covenant that Jesus established through his sacrifice, and is not just an isolated event but a continuous journey of faith.

How does the lecturer interpret the Eucharist as a sacrament of initiation?

The lecturer interprets the Eucharist as a sacrament of initiation by stating that it involves not only receiving but also committing oneself to the covenant, making it a foundational aspect of a believer's spiritual journey.

What is the connection between the Eucharist and the idea of a covenant according to the lecture?

The connection between the Eucharist and the idea of a covenant is that partaking in the Eucharist signifies a commitment to the new covenant that Jesus established through his sacrifice, similar to how agreements were made in Jesus' time by offering a sacrifice.

What personal reflection does the lecturer encourage regarding the Eucharist?

The lecturer encourages personal reflection on the significance of receiving the Eucharist, contemplating how it impacts one's daily life beyond the church doors and what difference it makes in one's commitment to Christian discipleship.

What is the lecturer's resolution regarding their participation in the Eucharist?

The lecturer's resolution is to be more conscious of the act of giving oneself during the reception of communion and to not argue with oneself about attending mass, but to simply be present more often.

How does the story of the prisoner on death row requesting Holy Communion impact the lecturer's perspective on the Eucharist?

The story of the prisoner requesting Holy Communion as his last meal deeply impacts the lecturer, prompting reflection on the purpose of receiving the Eucharist and its transformative power in one's life.

What prayer does the lecturer conclude with, and what is its significance?

The lecturer concludes with the Eucharistic prayer from the liturgy of the day, which is a prayer to revere the sacred mysteries of Christ's body and blood, seeking the fruits of redemption in one's life.