Jesus Is Present In People And In The Eucharist

Acts. 9:1-20 & Jn. 6:52-59

Today's readings teach us that Jesus is not only present in the Eucharist, but also in people. Saul of Tarsus was noted as the persecutor of Christians when, on the road to Damascus, he was struck to the ground and he heard a voice saying, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute Me?” It was the voice of Jesus Christ. This episode took place after His death and resurrection. Saul had never set eyes on Jesus and yet He was accusing Saul of persecuting Him. Since it was the followers of Christ that Paul was persecuting there has to be only one explanation … that Jesus lives in His followers. Jesus declared quite plainly, “I am Jesus, the One you are persecuting.” and we must take these words literally.

With equal emphasis Jesus in today's Gospel proclaims, “My flesh is real food and my blood is real drink.” We must take these words literally too, for Jesus is truly present in the Holy Eucharist as our spiritual food and drink.

As we believe that Jesus is present in the Eucharist, so we must believe that He is present in His people. The two truths must be coupled as one, for they are in a sense the two sides of one coin.

Lord Jesus, give us the grace that as we recognise You in the Holy Eucharist we will also recognise You in everyone we meet, especially those in whom we find it hard to see You without Your help.