Ordinary 20

"How can this man give us his flesh to eat?" If he were just a man then they would have been correct. Like them, we must see beyond the external apperance and recognize who is present to us. They had not paid attention to the signs he performed. We must help others to see what they have not recognized.

Jesus started with a miracle. Somwetimes I wonder if people believe in miracles anymore. We are so impressed with the illusion TV presents. The devil is the master of illusion. Consider Reality TV.

After his miracle, he reminds them of an older miracle, the Manna from Heaven. Believing God can provide is the starting point. If our beliefs about God are flawed or incomplete, then it follows that our conclusions will be flawed. Affirm the sovernity of God.

Next Jesus makes a promise to give us a new wonderful gift, the Bread of Life - His Body. Our faith affirms he can deliver on his word. This seems to be where Protestants get lost. They don't believe in the Real Presence because it is not rational. What is rational is a symbolic understanding of what Jesus "meant".