19th Sunday in Ordinary Time (B) : 8th August 2021

Today Jesus says, “I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Whoever eats this bread will live forever” (Jn. 6:51).

However, the Jewish leaders do not believe him. They think he is the son of Joseph, the carpenter. How does Jesus react? He does not get angry but instead invites them to believe: “Very truly I tell you, the one who believes has eternal life” (Jn. 6:47).

We believe Jesus is from heaven. Jesus feeds us with his flesh at every Mass. How do we know this is true? The Eucharist gives us the strength to be Christians.

Paul tells the Ephesians how a true Christian ought to live: “Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger…Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you” (Eph. 4:31-32).

It is not easy to be compassionate, to forgive someone who has hurt us, not easy to “walk in the way of love” (Eph. 5:2). Yet the Eucharist strengthens us, and it transforms us.

When we receive the Eucharist, Jesus gives us grace for eternal life. However, there is more. Jesus also gives us the grace to love deeply here and now on earth.

Lord, I believe in Your promise of eternal life. Transform me. Rid my soul of any bitterness, make me as deeply compassionate as You are.