“eat my flesh” (see jn 6:56)
“How can He give us His flesh to eat?” —John 6:52
From a human viewpoint, the above question is understandably difficult to comprehend. “How can [Jesus] give us His flesh to eat?” (Jn 6:52) If we were to re-phrase this question as follows, it might be more comprehensible: “How can this God-Man give us His flesh to eat?”
The Eucharist makes no sense unless we know precisely Who Jesus is: fully God and fully man (see Catechism of the Catholic Church, 479-483). A man who is only human cannot give us his flesh to eat and remain alive. A god couldn’t give up his flesh to eat for he wouldn’t have any flesh (see Lk 24:39). A God-Man can, however, give His flesh for us to eat, and still remain alive. Jesus does not die; instead, we who eat His flesh will live (Jn 6:57).
The Catholic Church in the USA recently completed a three-year Eucharistic revival. This teaching was written during the early portion of the revival. You are now reading this teaching after the completion of this revival. Did the Eucharistic revival have the intended impact in your life? Well, that depends on if you gave your flesh for Jesus as He gave His flesh for you. Did you renounce your flesh? (see Lk 14:33) Did you deny your very self, take up your cross, and follow in His footsteps? (Lk 9:23) If not, tell Jesus: “Lord, this is my body to be given up for You.”
Prayer: Father, I open wide my mouth so You can fill it as You wish (Ps 81:11).
Promise: “The man who feeds on Me will have life because of Me.” —Jn 6:57
Praise: “Sweet Sacrament, we Thee adore. O, make us love Thee more and more. O, make us love Thee more and more.”
Reference: (This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)
(Step out of the confusing world and into God’s reality with our retreat June 26-28: Living in Reality. Call 513-373-2397 or see www.presentationministries.com for more info.)
Rescript: "In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period from June 1, 2026, through July 31, 2026. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio November 12, 2025"
The Nihil Obstat ("Permission to Publish") is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted the Nihil Obstat agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.