[PugetSoundSoldier]

In John 6:63 Jesus spells it out for those confused by His metaphor:

It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing; the words that I have spoken to you are spirit and are life.

Bread is the metaphor for the Spirit and teachings of Christ. Per His own words.

[Servant of the Cross]

his metaphor ...

"As a result of this, many [of] his disciples returned to their former way of life and no longer accompanied him. Jesus then said to the Twelve, "Do you also want to leave?" John 6:66-67

Nothing in there about metaphors. If it was a metaphor, verse 66-67 would read, "hey, come back guys, I only meant this metaphorically!

Jesus said "to Thomas: 'Take your finger and examine My hands. Put your hand into My side. Do not persist in your unbelief, but believe!' ... John 20:27

Speaking of believing (and DNA testing), check this out: Eucharistic Miracle of Lanciano!

[Servant of the Cross]

Since I sort of hijacked the thread away from the blessed Mother (she doesn't mind though since she's always pointing to her son Jesus), help me out with the literal interpretation of this scripture passage regarding Mary:

"And Mary said: 'My soul magnifies the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my savior. For he has looked upon his handmaid's lowliness; behold, from now on will all ages called me blessed.'" ... Luke 1:46-48