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20th Sunday (B)
Proverbs 9:1-6
In this chapter of Proverbs, two women are central figures: Wisdom and Folly. Lady Wisdom leads her followers to a fulfilling life, while Folly leads to death. Today’s reading focuses on Lady Wisdom. True wisdom, which encompasses the entire book, is understanding God’s law. Following God’s law leads to a satisfying life. Wisdom is symbolized as a woman inviting people to a feast in her home. The food symbolizes wisdom’s teachings, offering a fulfilling banquet. The concept of divine instruction being compared to food and drink is a recurring motif in the Bible (v5; Sir 24:18ff; 51:23f). Embracing wisdom means turning away from the path of error and death and walking in God’s truth.
Ephesians 5:15-20
Wisdom remains a central theme in this reading from Ephesians, still leading to life (v15) but in a more profound sense than in Proverbs. It is a life in Christ that aligns with Christian wisdom. Vigilance is required because the influence of “flesh” still exists in Christians and is more prevalent in the world at large (v16). Foolishness (v15) and ignorance (v17) are to be avoided, similar to Lady Folly in Proverbs (Prov 9:13-18), as they are the opposite of true wisdom. For example, excess in eating and drinking is considered foolish (Prov 23:31f).
John 6:51-58
In this passage from the 6th chapter of John, Jesus’ discourse on the Eucharist transitions from him as the bread of life (v51a) to Christ as the Eucharistic bread, when he speaks of giving “my flesh for the life of the world” (v51b). The Jews’ misunderstanding of “flesh” leads to further teaching from Jesus (v52). They interpret “flesh” in a purely physical, even cannibalistic sense. Jesus continues to speak on a spiritual level, using sacramental language that would be well understood within John’s faith community. To “eat flesh” and “drink blood” (vv53, 54, 56) is to partake of the transformed bread and wine of the Eucharist. Instead of using the usual verb for eating, ‘phagō‘ (φάγω), Jesus uses ‘trōgō‘ (τρώγω vv. 54, 56-58), which means ‘gnaw’ or ‘munch’, with a rather crude connotation, originally used for animals but later applied to human eating. This choice of verb is considered John’s attempt to emphasize the realism of the Eucharistic flesh and blood. Jesus emphasizes the genuine value of his flesh and blood as food and drink. This is the true food and drink (v55), superior not only to material food but also to the food provided for the Jews in the desert (v58).
Jesus presents the Eucharist as the food equated with life. Every time we participate in the celebration of the Eucharist, may we be nourished by his body and blood so that we may live a life like his, a life for others. Amen!
