Question about John 6

[ErricFiggy]

“I am the living bread that came down out of heaven; if anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever; and the bread also which I will give for the life of the world is My flesh.”

If we take what Jesus is saying literally, does that mean that everyone who receives Communion has eternal life? That anyone can just walk into mass and receive Communion, even if they aren’t allowed to, and receive eternal life? I’m just a little confused. I’m sure I’m overlooking the obvious

 

[po18guy]

It must be read in the context of every other thing that Jesus said. We must remain in Him so that He can remain in us. We must love one another as He has loved us. We show this love by keeping His commands. We must not deny Him before men or He will deny us before the Father. If only it were so simple - but then faith would be absolutely shallow, wouldn’t it?

 

[DavidFilmer]

We can obtain eternal life on earth (through the Sacraments) and we can loose eternal life on earth (through mortal sin). We invite condemnation upon ourselves if we receive Eucharist in an unworthy manner:

Therefore, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord. A man ought to examine himself before he eats of the bread and drinks of the cup. For anyone who eats and drinks without recognizing the body of the Lord eats and drinks judgment on himself. That is why many among you are weak and sick, and a number of you have died. (1Cor 11:27-30)

You cannot simply run into a Catholic church, grab and eat a Host, and expect an absolute assurance of eternal life. This is surely not what Jesus was trying to say, and Paul makes such a distinction obvious.

 

[Fone_Bone_2001]

“I am the living bread that came down out of heaven; if anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever; and the bread also which I will give for the life of the world is My flesh.”

If we take what Jesus is saying literally, does that mean that everyone who receives Communion has eternal life? That anyone can just walk into mass and receive Communion, even if they aren’t allowed to, and receive eternal life? I’m just a little confused. I’m sure I’m overlooking the obvious

As others have said, you have to interpret these words in the context of all of Jesus’ teachings.

Immediately after our Lord reveals the necessity to eat His flesh and drink His blood, He also teaches, "It is the spirit that gives life; the flesh is of no avail."

So no, physically receiving Communion won’t help you if your heart, your spirit, isn’t with God. The salvific effects of the Holy Eucharist can only be received by properly disposed believers.

 

[vwtaylorii]

We can obtain eternal life on earth (through the Sacraments) and we can loose eternal life on earth (through mortal sin). We invite condemnation upon ourselves if we receive Eucharist in an unworthy manner:

You cannot simply run into a Catholic church, grab and eat a Host, and expect an absolute assurance of eternal life. This is surely not what Jesus was trying to say, and Paul makes such a distinction obvious.

“I am the living bread that came down out of heaven; if anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever; and the bread also which I will give for the life of the world is My flesh.”

If we take what Jesus is saying literally, does that mean that everyone who receives Communion has eternal life? That anyone can just walk into mass and receive Communion, even if they aren’t allowed to, and receive eternal life? I’m just a little confused. I’m sure I’m overlooking the obvious

In addition to this, you must be in communion with the Catholic Church to receive the Eucharist. Read the surrounding verses of 1 Cor 11: 27-30 starting at verse 17 to the end of the chapter.

 

[Todd_Easton]

Jesus made many similar statements about the necessity of being born again in baptism and of keeping the commandments, etc. Each of those statements is, as it were, an ingredient in the recipe of salvation which normally must all be combined together to get the desired outcome.