The Words of Eternal Life

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? The teaching of Jesus about himself as the bread of life that comes down from heaven and gives eternal life draws negative reactions and pointed questions. The Jews wonder how Jesus can give his flesh to eat. Many of Jesus’ disciples remark that his saying is hard and unacceptable.

Jesus’ teaching thus results in two things.

The disciples who cannot accept Jesus’ words give up and go away. They return to their former way of life and no longer walk with Jesus.

In contrast, even if they do not understand any better than the other disciples, the Twelve hold on to Jesus, whatever it may take: “Master, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.” This is Peter’s response when Jesus asks them whether they, too, want to leave. We see Peter’s loyalty and fidelity to Jesus. Speaking for the Twelve, Peter declares that they have come to believe and are convinced that Jesus is the Holy One of God.

Indeed, Jesus always makes perfectly clear to us what he expects from us. He does not compromise or sugarcoat his words to win our emotions and meet our expectations. He tells us the reality of the cross and of the crucifixion. He leaves us the decision to stay or to go.

“Do you also want to leave?”

If you were in the synagogue in Capernaum

and heard the teaching of Jesus,

how would you have answered?