Ask the Teacher

    

Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ

11 June 2023

 

First Reading: Dt 8:2-3, 14b-16a

Responsorial Psalm: Ps 147:12-13, 14-15, 19-20

Second Reading: 1 Cor 10;16-17

Gospel: Jn 6:51-58

 

Reflection

By: Grace B. Madrinan

 

"I a the living bread that came down from heaven; whoever eats this bread will live forever." - John 6:51

I have to admit that I will be as shocked as the Jews in today's Gospel reading. It is really hard to understand this teaching. At that time, they still do not have the Eucharist to relate to the body and blood of Christ. I believe this teaching is what divided Jesus' followers at the time. Some followers left while the apostles stayed with Jesus.

What made the difference is that the other Jews quarreled among themselves, while the apostles asked Jesus to clarify what He meant in the teachings. The other Jews relied on their own understanding and when they did not understand, they gave up and left. Meanwhile, the apostles approached Jesus and sought for more guidance and understanding.

I believe it is human nature to go about asking other people instead of asking the source of information. I recalled one instance during our college days when we, instead of asking our professor, we went about asking among each other what the assignment was and how to go about it. And when I asked, "Why don't we ask our teacher?" They will go about saying, "You should be the one to ask. You're the closest to the teacher!"

I think that is the answer, "we are not that close to the Teacher!" We tend to ask among ourselves, even dispute about the correct interpretation of the teaching, when we should be asking the Source of the teaching. Why? Because we are not that close to Jesus. We have not been with Him enough to know His ways. We have not spent enough time to understand what He meant. We have not established that kind of relationship to ask Him directly, "What are You teaching us, Lord?"

The apostles stayed and asked the Lord because they knew Him well enough to know He will not lead them astray. And because they believed in Him, their hearts were opened and gained more understanding.

Prayer

Father God, a lot of things are beyond our understanding. When we are in doubt, may we seek answers from You instead and lean not on the dictates of the world. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen.