Scripture Reflection - June 7, 2026

Feast of Corpus Christi

Deuteronomy 8:2-3, 14b-16a     Psalm 147 1 Corinthians 10:16-17     John 6:51-58

What does it mean to take Jesus out of the Church and into the world?

We have recently celebrated the Easter Season. The post-Easter Sunday readings were rich with Jesus offering his apostles deep peace and assuring them that he was still with them as he appeared to them in his resurrected body over the course of forty days. As the season progressed, we heard further assurances that even though he would return to his Father, he would not leave them orphaned.

It is in this context that we enter into the Gospel reading for the Feast of Corpus Christi. This Gospel selection, as we know, is taken from the Bread of Life Discourse. In the verses preceding what will be proclaimed at Mass, Jesus addresses an inquiry from the crowds who experienced the miracle of the loaves and fishes. In response, he questions their motives and encourages them to work for food that endures for eternal life, a continuation of his promise that no one will be left orphaned. They want a sign so that they may see and believe in Jesus. As they continue to question Jesus, we come to today’s Gospel.  

Jesus tells them he is the Bread of Life that comes down from heaven; a seemingly preposterous claim in their minds. They literally try to wrap their heads around his statement, as they know Jesus only in his humanity.  As we listen to Jesus reveal his true self, we know this type of academic exercise is not the answer. It is only with a heart of faith that we can embrace what Jesus will come to gift us with at the Last Supper. Jesus’ profound gift is his very self—his Real Presence—as ongoing nourishment for our spiritual lives. It is the assurance that he will remain with us always, an enduring gift freely given in a communal gathering offering true communion for the life of the world and for eternal life.

Years ago, while teaching Religious Education, I encouraged my seventh-grade students to take Jesus out of the church. Is this not what today’s reading challenges us to do?  The Body of Christ we receive at Mass sends us out into the world to share Christ with those with whom we live and work. May we through a heart of faith receive the profound gift, and risk, of becoming the Body of Christ for others as we take Jesus out of the church to bring justice, compassion, and hope to a waiting and needy world.

Sr. BarbaraAnn Sgro, OP