Gospel in Art: Whoever feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life

Eucharist by Mary Jane Miller, 2013 ©Mary Jane Miller artist

Source: Christian Art

Gospel of 9 May 2025
John 6:52-59

At that time: The Jews then disputed among themselves, saying, 'How can this man give us his flesh to eat?' So Jesus said to them, 'Truly, truly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. Whoever feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day. For my flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink. Whoever feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood abides in me, and I in him. As the living Father sent me, and I live because of the Father, so whoever feeds on me, he also will live because of me. This is the bread that came down from heaven, not like the bread the fathers ate, and died. Whoever feeds on this bread will live for ever.' Jesus said these things in the synagogue, as he taught at Capernaum.

Reflection on the Contemporary Art Painting

In today's Gospel, Jesus speaks words that are as profound as they are challenging: "My flesh is real food and my blood is real drink." These words lie at the heart of our faith, and they are beautifully captured in our painting by Mary Jane Miller, created in 2013 using the ancient Byzantine technique of egg tempera on panel. This striking sacramental image focuses on the mystery of the Holy Eucharist: the consecrated host lifted reverently with both hands above a silver chalice, set before the Book of the Gospels. In this single composition, Miller brings together the Word of God, the Body, and the Blood of Christ, the very essence of our Catholic faith, where Scripture and Sacrament meet in the person of Jesus.

When we hear today's passage, it's important to remember how shocking these words would have been to Jesus' first listeners. To speak so graphically about eating flesh and drinking blood would have sounded offensive, even scandalous. Yet, Jesus does not soften His message... this is the very language of the Eucharist. It is not symbolic or distant; it is intimate and real! In receiving the Body and Blood of Christ, we truly consume Him; not in a crude sense, but in a sacred union where Christ becomes part of us, nourishing us from within. This act of communion is a profound acceptance of Christ, not just believing in Him from afar, but allowing His life, His love, and His mission to take root in us. We receive Him so that we might become like Him, embodying His self-giving love in our daily lives.

Just as Jesus lived in perfect communion with the Father, He invites us to live in constant communion with Him through the Eucharist. This is more than a moment at Mass; it is a way of life, drawing strength, grace, and purpose from the One who gives Himself to us entirely. Every time we approach the altar, we are reminded that Christ's gift is not partial or abstract; it is real food and real drink, sustaining us on our journey to eternal life.

LINKS

Gospel in Art: https://christian.art/
Today's Reflection: https://christian.art/daily-gospel-reading/john-6-52-59-2025/ (with audio)