Jesus deeply shook his followers when he proclaimed his flesh to be real food and his blood real drink.  He would not only eat with them, but he would be the very food they ate.   Even the closest disciples of Jesus struggled to understand  what Jesus really meant by these words.   They came to realize that Jesus was not just sharing about his life, but he wanted to give them his life — he wanted his life to be deeply rooted in them and to touch the very core of how they lived.  

 

         Every time we receive the Eucharist, Jesus wants to tell us not only how much he loves us and how precious we are to him.  He also asks us to let him in to every part of our lives — even the selfishness, the envy, and the resentments that can so burden us.   Jesus asks us:  “Will you let me live my life in you?  Will you let my Spirit come in and clear out the sin that holds you back from me?  Will you trust me with all the concerns that worry you?”

 

        Jesus, over these last few months, I have discovered a real yearning for you in my life.   I have discovered anew that you bring me to a new level of my being.  And so, I give my life to you by receiving your precious body and blood in the depths of my heart.   I give you the freedom to have your way in every area of my life.   Thank you for loving me and wanting to live within me!