It was crunch time for some of the disciples. Many had been swept along and had followed Jesus for a variety of reasons — the miracles, the power, the crowds, the prospect of adventure and excitement. However, when he began to teach about the Eucharist many found his words hard to stomach (literally). Jesus’ teaching on the Eucharist, like his teaching on the cross, became a stumbling block.
The disciples’ response is at least honest, ‘This is a hard saying; who can listen to it?‘ Many of them rejected his teaching and turned their back on him. Jesus’ question to his twelve core disciples elicits a beautiful and profound response from Peter: ‘Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life; and we have believed, and have come to know that you are the Holy One of God.‘
Jesus’ teaching on the Eucharist is an invitation for us to live by faith. We accept and embrace Jesus’ teaching; we believe first and then seek to understand. St Cyril of Jerusalem wrote, ‘Do not, therefore, regard the bread and wine as simply that, for they are, according to the Master’s declaration, the Body and Blood of Christ. Even though the senses suggest to you the other, let faith make you firm. Do not judge in this matter by taste, but be fully assured by faith, not doubting that you have been deemed worthy of the Body and Blood of Christ.’ This teaching is spirit and life. (v. 63). It is the Holy Spirit who gives us his light so we believe and receive.