What was perhaps the greatest controversy for the early followers of Christ and those who opposed them was Jesus' insistence that they partake of His body and blood. Taken literally, this would be an affront even in today's context. And it did not help that Jesus went on to say, "For My flesh is real food and My blood is real drink." But faith is about not jumping to early conclusions and allowing time for understanding to be given the believer. For the Lord inferred three things from the act of consuming His body and blood. First, the promise of life to those who do. Just as physical food gives life to the physical body, spiritual food gives not just life but eternal life to those who receive it. Herein lies the hint that Jesus did not imply cannibalism on the part of the believers. Second, Jesus will raise them up on the day of resurrection. Here is the invitation to look to what is to come based on what is presently carried out in obedience. Third, the believer draws life from Jesus Who draws the same life from the Father. Thus the believer lives in God and God lives in him/her.

May we, who do not doubt the Lord, be eternally grateful for His invitation to partake of the Holy Eucharist, live in Him and receive the promise of eternal life to come.