In the midst of this tumultuous time He explained the reality of the cross. Unless you actually eat me, yes chew and eat my flesh and drink my red blood you cannot be a part of my kingdom (John 6:53). The Eucharist is the symbolic moment of reestablishing the decision of each heart. The decision to follow Jesus. Follow Jesus in obedience, even in obedience unto the cross. To literally become what he is. This is at the heart of this season.

It is St. Paul who said in his epic testimony that he had been actually crucified with Christ (Galatians 2:20). Obedience was the unwavering walk of the Christ. He passed test after test. In the desert, here in John 6, in the garden, and finally on the cross. It is at the heart of the sanctified life. The life separated from itself. I ponder my obedience in this Lenten season. I think of self denial. And should we all.

As you allowed your Son to empty himself what agony that must have been for you. And yet, with what was at stake, what a sense of accomplishment must have been there as well. That is was "very good" is a perspective that I have to confess I don't always fathom. And yet, my elder brother poured himself out so that I could become his younger brother. "Amazing love, how can it be, that Thou, my God, shouldst die for me?" Can I do less in return?