Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost: Gospel, John 6:35-41

John 6:35-41

The great Catholic novelist Flannery O’Connor famously quipped in a conversation where someone referred to the eucharist as a symbol, “Well, if it’s a symbol. to hell with it.” She went on to declare the historic teaching of the church that everything emanates for the Christian from the body and blood of Christ given to His Christians to eat and to drink. It’s an argument that has been had since about the 10th century. Before that time the bread and wine of the Holy Supper was never up for debate. Jesus said most simply, “This is my body which is for you,” and “This cup is the New Covenant in my blood.” And then He said, “Take and eat,” and “Drink of it, all of you.” He could have chosen words that would have clarified if it was a symbol only. He did not. And when those who were listening turned away from Him, He did not recant and soften His declaration. As Lutheran Christians we still say what the Bible says. Paul refers to the bread and wine, and the body and blood and so our confessions do as well. It is a mystery. The meaning of the Latin word sacramentum from which comes our term sacrament.

Not everyone reading will agree with my position or my conclusion. But the distinctions in teaching are important. God gives the gift of His Son not only into our flesh to walk and talk among us, but to feed us. The opponents of Jesus had no problem understanding what Jesus meant when He said, “I am the bread of life.” They left His company over it. He meant what He said. He still does. 

“Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good!”

-David, King of Israel