Reflection for Sunday – June 7, 2026

Deirdre McKiernan HetzlerSunday Readings Homilies

Readings: Deuteronomy 8:2-3 14b-16a; 1 Corinthians 10:16-17; John 6:51-58 
Preacher: Deirdre McKiernan Hetzler

“I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Whoever eats of this bread will live forever; and the bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh.”

Whoa! Jesus’ words must have been very provocative for his hearers. The thought of eating human flesh is repulsive, isn’t it?. How much more so for the Jews, in light of their religious dietary restrictions around meat! No wonder the crowd is agitated and confused. And why many left. Asked why the twelve remained, Peter replied, “Lord, to whom can we go? You alone have the words of eternal life.”

As Catholics, we have come to understand Jesus’ words in light of his Passion. Particularly his actions at the Last Supper. Taking. blessing, breaking, and giving bread at that meal, saying “This is my Body.” Likewise, the wine. “Take and drink. This is my Blood.” Then the command, “Do this in memory of me.” We remember his words and actions every time we celebrate Eucharist. More than bringing something from the past to mind, remembering makes things present. Leads to an active response. Remembering solidifies relationships.

Perhaps the concept of Jesus feeding us with his Body might seem less strange if we think about nursing mothers. As a mother of six, I can attest to the incredible intimacy and bonding that occurs, knowing that my body is nourishing my child. I am convinced that Jesus wants that kind of relationship with us. Jesus wants a relationship of intimacy and bonding with each and every one of us. Today’s feast of Corpus Christi, the Body and Blood of Christ, celebrates this great gift of God’s love for us.

A famous medieval mystic, Julian of Norwich, described Jesus as a nursing mother. “The mother can give her child to suck of her milk,” she writes, “but our precious Mother Jesus can feed us with himself, and does, most courteously and most tenderly, with the blessed sacrament…”

By inviting us to share in his Body and Blood,, Jesus draws us into a profound union and identity in him. Much like his relationship with the Father. “Abide in me,” he calls. (Jn 15:4ff) He wants us to receive – to experience – the great love of God through him. And to be changed by it. Over and over again. More than the transformation of the bread and wine, the biggest change is the transformation of the assembly into the Body of Christ. Taken, blessed,broken and given. The Eucharist is all about being the Body of Christ in our”world. As St. Augustine said, “Behold what you are! Become what you eat!” 

“Behold what you are! Become what you eat!” Sharing Christ’s Body and Blood in this sacred meal unites us as one body in Christ. Our action signifies our oneness with Christ. And with each other!

Jesus said, “The bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh.” What does it mean to you? And to me? To be the Body of Christ in our very broken world?

Taken, blessed, broken and given are essential elements of the transformation implicit in receiving Jesus’ Body and Blood. We take Jesus’ very life into us so that we can bring it— the love, forgiveness, reconciliation and peace —to others. That’s a lifelong conversion process, isn’t it? One day at a time. Where are we— you and I— in that process?

Deirdre McKiernan Hetzler
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