WORDS FROM FATHER YOHANES: The Gift of Christ’s Body and Blood

By Father Yohanes Akoit

On the occasion of the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ, Jesus reminds his disciples to remain united with him always That unity enables them to overcome their limitations and allows them to take part in God’s kingdom. This warning and invitation come through Jesus’ own words: “Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him on the last day” (John 6:51-58). Jesus reminds them of their weakness by presenting before them who they are and their wounded humanity. This nature is explained by Jesus through the word “flesh” in the passage above. At first, by using this terminology, “the flesh,” it may appear barbaric or even cannibalistic. But that impression is wrong, because the word flesh refers to their limitations. And to get that point, we just compare it with another passage in the Bible. That comparison will help us understand the meaning. We just look at the word flesh in Matthew 26:41. There Jesus also uses the word flesh: “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” In this context, the word flesh refers to human limitation. That is to say, we are weak and easily fall into temptation. And in order to overcome that limitation, we need to pray. So, the limitation of human flesh, according to this account, can be overcome by prayer.

Now, back to the context above: why is Jesus giving his flesh? Because he knows well our human condition. He became flesh too and lived among us: “The Word became flesh and lived among us” (John 1:14). Therefore, Jesus understands that limitation, and to overcome this weakness, he is willing to share his divinity with us. This is the reason Jesus uses the word flesh.

The same idea applies to the word blood. By using this word, Jesus is not performing a sacrifice in a cannibalistic sense, but rather making them aware of their human nature and offering them a share in God’s divinity. This becomes clear when we compare it with another text from the Bible (Matthew 16:13-20), the occasion where Peter acknowledges Jesus as the Son of God. And based on that recognition, Jesus responds to Peter in this way: “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jona. For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven.” Here, the word (flesh and) blood also refers to the limited capacity of human understanding, prone to error and misunderstanding. But then God enlightens Peter, enabling him to recognize who Jesus truly is. Therefore, by using the word blood, Jesus places the same context before his disciples. It is the symbol of our human limitation and mortality. So, Jesus uses the word flesh to help them understand their nature and to call them to share his divinity.

After helping them understand their wounded humanity, Jesus shows them how to overcome it through the reception of his holy Body and Blood. Aware of this necessity, Jesus instituted the Holy Eucharist. He clearly asks his disciples to celebrate it for their life and salvation: “Do this in memory of me.” And as we celebrate this Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ, we ask God to deepen within us a sincere love and profound respect for the Holy Eucharist. We pray that he guides the course of our lives so that we may participate faithfully and wholeheartedly in the Eucharistic celebration whenever it is offered. Because through this sacred mystery, our wounded humanity is blessed and healed, our weakness is strengthened, and our sins are forgiven. And by receiving the Body and Blood of Christ, may we be drawn ever closer to him, transformed by his grace, and made worthy to share the glory of heaven.

Father Yohanes Akoit is pastor of St. Julian and St. Anthony Catholic churches in Kentucky.