“Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me and I in him.” Jn 6:56

by Deacon Mark Lishko  |  06/26/2026  |  Sunday Written Reflection

If one Sunday any one of the clergy stood up before you and said these words about himself you would rightly get up and walk away. But these words aren’t coming from just anyone, they are coming from the Incarnate Son of God, Jesus Christ. The very one who raised the dead, healed the sick, walked on water and was resurrected three days after the very death He predicted.

It is hard for us to grasp the depth and the power of this gift given to us by God through His Son. However, just because we can’t grasp it doesn’t mean we don’t give it the respect it deserves—that Christ deserves. It is easy to step into the communion line, distracted and unaware of the significance of whom you are about to receive. That small wafer, by the power of the Holy Spirit and through the words of consecration become, as Jesus promised, His flesh and blood. We are approaching the God who created the universe, and thought us into existence who said, “the one who feeds on me will have life because of me.”

Eternal life.

Our disposition is indispensable. Are we in the state of grace? Are we properly disposed to receive our Lord and King? How have we prepared our heart, mind and soul in anticipation? What is our attire as we approach our Savior?

We have everything available to us to place ourselves in the best state to worthily receive Him who gave His very life for us. He deserves our best efforts.

St. Paul tells us, “Therefore whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord unworthily will have to answer for the body and blood of the Lord.” 1 Cor 11:27