Sports and life by the sports kibitzer

Today's Reflections

 

The Words of Eternal Life

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Jn 6:60-69

⁶⁰Many of [Jesus’] disciples who were listening said, “This saying is hard; who can accept it?” ⁶¹Since Jesus knew that his disciples were murmuring about this, he said to them, “Does this shock you? ⁶²What if you were to see the Son of Man ascending to where he was before? ⁶³It is the spirit that gives life, while the flesh is of no avail. The words I have spoken to you are spirit and life. ⁶⁴But there are some of you who do not believe.” Jesus knew from the beginning the ones who would not believe and the one who would betray him. ⁶⁵And he said, “For this reason I have told you that no one can come to me unless it is granted him by my Father.”

⁶⁶As a result of this, many [of] his disciples returned to their former way of life and no longer accompanied him. ⁶⁷Jesus then said to the Twelve, “Do you also want to leave?” ⁶⁸Simon Peter answered him, “Master, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. ⁶⁹We have come to believe and are convinced that you are the Holy One of God.”

 

Reflection:
 

Master, to whom shall we go? Jesus’ discourse on the bread of life divides his listeners. His teachings draw negative reactions and sharp questions. Even his disciples remark that they find the saying hard to accept. As a result, many of Jesus’ disciples return to their former way of life and no longer accompany him. They give up on Jesus and go away.

Jesus turns to the Twelve and asks whether they wish to leave. Peter replies for the group, “Master, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.” Peter’s reply speaks of the group’s fidelity to Jesus. Though they may not understand any better than the other disciples, the Twelve are determined to hold on to Jesus. Jesus is their life and their hope. They will keep following Jesus whatever the cost.

Jesus presents his position and makes perfectly clear to us what he expects from us. He does not compromise. He does not sugarcoat his words to suit our liking and our feeling. He speaks of the cross and crucifixion. With his cards laid out, Jesus leaves the decision to us to go away or to stick it out with him.

“You have the words of eternal life.”Is this your response to the mysteryof the Eucharist?