Episode Details

Episode 11 – The Eucharist Part II

On the second part of a two-part episode on the Eucharist in the Understanding Catholicism Series, our presenter, James Seghers, delves into the sixth chapter of St. John’s Gospel.

The prologue of St. John’s chapter six recalls two miracles that prepare Jesus’ audience for the following Bread of Life discourse. The first miracle identifies Jesus as the Messianic profit like Moses, which was predicted in Deuteronomy Chapter 18. The second miracle occurred when Jesus walked on the sea to meet up with his disciples. This is an act heralded Jesus as God in his Divinity.

In Chapter 6, Jesus multiplied five barley loaves and two fish, feeding the hungry gathering crow who began to follow up because of the signs Jesus was performing. The next day, the crowd, seeing Jesus and his disciples had left the area, the crowd began to search for Jesus, and when they found him, Jesus responded, “Amen, amen, I say to you, you are looking for me not because you saw signs but because you ate the loaves and were filled. Do not work for food that perishes but for the food that endures for eternal life— which the Son of Man will give you. For on him the Father, God, has set his seal.” (John 6:26)

In his conversation with the crowd, Jesus informs the crowd not to think of the material but the spiritual. The crowd, understanding, always asks what they must do to receive this bread. Jesus responds, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me will never hunger, and whoever believes in me will never thirst. (John 6:35). In this statement, Jesus states that he is the life-giving bread that challenges the crowd to change their focus and understanding.

Jesus explains the holy wonder of his body and blood becoming the food for eternal salvation and instructs the crowd to proceed in faith, challenging them with their limited understanding. However, the crowd, still lacking in spiritual awareness, remains resistant and unwilling to accept Jesus’ teaching.

This episode underscores Jesus’ message as the Bread of Life “Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him on the last day. (John 6:54).

This is the 11^th Episode in the (20 Episode Series) of Understanding Catholicism

Jimmy Seghers was born in New Orleans. Jimmy has devoted much of his life to the pursuit of learning, teaching, and mentorship. Jimmy has taught Sacred Scripture and Apologetics (that is, the defense of the Catholic faith). Jimmy frequently gives retreats, parish missions, and talks on biblical subjects. He is seen on FOCUS with Lisa Flood discussing