John Chapter 6 - The Bread of Life Discourse and the Holy Eucharist

 John Chapter 6
The Bread of Life Discourse and the Holy Eucharist

"The Eucharist is the source and summit of the Christian life,” and "the sum and summary of our faith." (CCC 1324, 1327)  The following five blogs are a discussion of the relationship between the Bread of Life Discourse given by Jesus in John Chapter 6 and the Holy Eucharist. 

“The hand of the Lord feeds us;
he answers all our needs.” (Psalm 145:16)

Part I The Miracle of the Loaves John:6 1-15.  In this miracle, Jesus foreshadows the institution of the Holy Eucharist.

  "Whoever comes to me will never hunger,
and whoever believes in me will never thirst.”
(John 6: 35)

Part II The Bread of Life John 6:24-35.  The people ask for another sign so that they might believe.    

"I am the living bread that came down from heaven;
whoever eats this bread will live forever." (John 6:51)

Part III I am the Bread of Life John 6:41-51. Jesus' sign is misunderstood.  

"I am the living bread that came down from heaven;
whoever eats this bread will live forever;
and the bread that I give is my flesh for the life of the world." (John 6:51)

 

Part IV Whoever Eats this bread will Live Forever John 6: 51-58 .  Jesus establishes the words of Eucharistic consecration.
 

"Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood
remains in me and I in him." (John 6:56)

 

Part V Jesus' Flesh is True Food, His Blood True Drink  John 6:60-69. The Holy Sacrament of the Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, is made present at the Table of the Eucharist.  

"Jesus said:  "I am the living bread that came down from heaven; if any one eats of this bread, he will live forever;...he who eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life and ...abides in me, and I in him." (John 6:51, 54, 56, CCC 1406)