A Difficult Teaching

AM [Psalm 70], 71 • PM Psalm 74
Gen. 23:1-20 • Heb. 11:32-12:2 • John 6:60-71

Western Christianity seems to struggle with the idea of unity with Christ. We often view Him as apart and above, seated at the right hand of a God that is “up there,” separate from us. This mindset views Jesus only as a teacher or guide along the Way or as a prototype for us to live by, not as one abiding within us, a part of our very selves. Viewing Jesus this way results in frustration and disappointment because we always fall short, for Jesus has become a taskmaster impossible to emulate. What, then, can we do?

In our reading today from John, Jesus explains to his disciples the “difficult teaching” that He has just delivered at the synagogue in Capernaum, the teaching that offended many, for Jesus has graphically expanded on His “I am the bread of life” metaphor. He has told His followers that “Those who eat my flesh and drink my blood have eternal life” and “Those who eat my flesh and drink my blood abide in me and I in them.”

His disciples respond, “This teaching is difficult; who can accept it?” Jesus assures them that He is not to be taken literally: “It is the spirit that gives life; the flesh is useless. The words I have spoken to you are spirit and life.” But still, his figurative language is necessary (as we affirm in our Eucharist), for it underscores the conditions for true transformation. We must indeed be willing to be completely assimilated by Him, to merge with Him, to abide in Him. And miraculously, He will become part of us. This promise is immediate, personal, and transformational. Jesus is not only seated at the right hand of the Father. He can become us, and we can become Him, and then, being totally identified with Him, we are freed and capable of emulating Him.

Written by Grimsley Graham

...who is indebted to Cynthia Bourgeault, author of The Wisdom Jesus.