Reflection for the 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time…August 18, 2024

by Cathy and Gary Leak

Gospel: John 6:51-58

The Gospel passage in John is part of the Bread of Life discourse.  This discourse describes Christ as the source of eternal life, and it is carried to us through the Eucharist. The Eucharist is the source and summit of our Catholic faith.  It is how God feeds us physically and spiritually.

Through transubstantiation, the everyday, earthly bread and wine are profoundly transformed into the body and blood of Christ.  We need to have faith, truly believe in Him, and be baptized to be united with Christ through the Eucharist.  We recognize His living presence there, which means we accept it as his body, blood, soul, and divinity.  This is how Christ abides in us and we in Him.  This is how we honor Him and accept His offer of eternal life.