Fr Paul reads from John’s Gospel (6: 52-59) in which Jesus says, ‘As I, who am sent by the living Father, myself draw life from the Father, so whoever eats me will draw life from me’.

As the Bread of Life sermon continues in the synagogue at Capernaum, there is another interruption from the Jews. Fr Paul says, this introduces the third section of the sermon which concentrates on the actual eating of the Bread of Life. Fr Paul agrees that it is confronting – talking about eating flesh and drinking blood. No wonder the Jews interrupt and start arguing among themselves but John, the Gospel writer, wants to make it quite clear that God wants to give us nothing less than eternal life. We hear that in this Gospel, again and again.  The cost of this gift of eternal life is His only Son, Jesus.

For our reflection, Paul says, we might reflect on this gift that God is offering us – the gift of eternal life.