Jn 6:52-59
The Jews then disputed among themselves, saying, “How can this man give us his flesh to eat?” So Jesus said to them, “Very truly, I tell you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. Those who eat my flesh and drink my blood have eternal life, and I will raise them up on the last day; for my flesh is true food and my blood is true drink. Those who eat my flesh and drink my blood abide in me, and I in them.
Just as the living Father sent me, and I live because of the Father, so whoever eats me will live because of me. This is the bread that came down from heaven, not like that which your ancestors ate, and they died. But the one who eats this bread will live forever.” He said these things while he was teaching in the synagogue at Capernaum.
New Revised Standard Version, copyright 1989, by the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. USCCB approved.
The Power of the Eucharist
“For my flesh is real food and my blood is real drink. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me, and I in them.” John 6:55-56
The core of Ignatian spirituality is the “Finding God in All Things” seeing God in all people. This can sometimes be a challenge. The actions of another may sometimes not be so Godly. The same can be said of each of us. Sometimes, we can all be a bitter pill to swallow. We know the Imago Dei has been stamped on us. I see in today’s Gospel how we can remain more Godly, in our actions, thoughts, and words. The real presence of Jesus in the Eucharist is all that we need.
If we drink down Jesus and eat him up, our mind body spirit continuum is made whole. We become the embodiment of Christ. The power of the Eucharist is healing and saving. It can change us and remove the scotoma-scars that blur our vision. It allows us to see another truly as Christ wants us to see them.
—Dr. Valerie D. Lewis- Mosley, RN OPA- is Lay Dominican that engages CST as a Pastoral Theologian and Spiritual Director through the lens of the Ignatian Spirituality of the Examen for healing and reconciliation.
Prayer
Anima Christi
Soul of Christ, sanctify me.
Body of Christ, save me.
Blood of Christ, inebriate me.
Water from the side of Christ, wash me.
Passion of Christ, strengthen me.
O Good Jesus, hear me.
Within your wounds hide me.
Permit me not to be separated from you.
From the wicked foe, defend me.
At the hour of my death, call me
and bid me come to you
That with your saints I may praise you
For ever and ever. Amen.
—Traditional prayer