Going on a diet - March 20
Today’s Readings: Psalm 33; Jer. 23:9-15; John 6:60-71
I walked through Panera to pick up a to-go coffee this week and saw two people sitting at a booth. One was a young man who looked to be in high school. The other was a young woman who looked to be post-college. She was helping him with math. As I walked past, I heard her telling him what a logarithm was and how to solve these in algebraic equations. Watching the two of them reminded me of the many years that I tutored people in math and science. I can still recall the look on one teenager's face as I was trying to explain geometric proofs – as if she was saying, “I just cannot do this. It is ridiculous.”
I wonder if that is the same expression some of Jesus’ disciples are giving him in this excerpt from John 6 today. We read that Jesus the teacher has hit a rocky path: “This teaching is difficult; who can accept it?” I can imagine blank looks and muttering among the crowd. The Messiah has been telling his students and followers about spiritual food. Teaching through spoken word and lived action, he reveals mysterious and provocative concepts. Jesus continues, “It is the spirit that gives life; the flesh is useless. The words I have spoken to you are spirit and life.” (v. 63) In following him, Jesus offers this holy meal of bread and wine - Body and Blood. In following him, they will be forever nourished. In following him, they will be drawing nearer to God and will receive everlasting life. Jesus’ words register as bizarre to the disciples’ ears, perhaps like how to solve algebraic logarithms or geometric proofs. This teaching is difficult.
In Hebrew 5:11-14, we hear talk of food through the lens of spirituality, as the author is teaching the hearers about their diet at Christians – whether they are drinking milk as those infants who cannot care for themselves, or eating solid food. And in that paradigm, infants are not ready to teach others and are still being prepared for entrance into the full life of the church. They are immature on all counts. Those who eat solid food are mature; they have been washed in the baptismal waters and are living into following Christ by deepening their faith, discerning good from evil, and telling others of their spiritual growth. The voice in Hebrews acknowledges that understanding the mystery of Jesus as God’s son sent into the world to show compassion and mercy, teaching the truth to everyone who will listen…it is a hard topic: “About this we have much to say that is hard to explain, since you have become dull in understanding.” (Hebrews 5:11)
Walking the walk and living the life as a follower of Jesus is not easy. Sometimes we need to go back to the building blocks of metaphorical milk – the basics. Because the teachings of Jesus are difficult. Living a life of love and sacrifice day in and day out is beautiful and demanding. Thankfully, we do not embark on this adventure alone. We have God with us. We have one another. And in community, we hear one voice call out in discovery, “We have come to believe and know that you are the Holy One of God.” (v. 69)
Let us share in this holy diet of “spirit and life”. Let’s immerse ourselves in scripture. Let’s immerse ourselves in prayer. Let’s ready ourselves to partake of the bread that brings life – and remember that part of being forever nourished is inviting others to share in the holy diet that will never leave us hungry.
-- Katherine+
Questions for Reflection
What part of Jesus’ teachings feels mysterious and incomprehensible to you today? What part of his teachings bring you into the awe of “spirit and life”?
Daily Challenge
As you partake of worship this weekend, think about the nourishment extended to you in God’s love and the teachings of Jesus – whether you receive the Body of Christ at outdoor church or receive the Good News during Morning Prayer. I offer you this writing of an Italian Catholic bishop, saint, and moral theologian who wrote this prayer for spiritual communion, when physical participation in Eucharist was not possible:
My Jesus, I believe that you are truly present in the Blessed Sacrament of the Altar. I love you above all things, and long for you in my soul. Since I cannot now receive you sacramentally, come at least spiritually into my heart. As though you have already come, I embrace you and unite myself entirely to you; never permit me to be separated from you. Amen. (St. Alphonsus de Liguori, 1696-1787)