Gospel – John 6: 60-69
When many of his disciples heard it, they said, ‘This teaching is difficult; who can accept it?’ But Jesus, being aware that his disciples were complaining about it, said to them, ‘Does this offend you?
Then what if you were to see the Son of Man ascending to where he was before? It is the spirit that gives life; the flesh is useless. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life. But among you there are some who do not believe.’
For Jesus knew from the first who were the ones that did not believe, and who was the one that would betray him.
And he said, ‘For this reason I have told you that no one can come to me unless it is granted by the Father.’
Because of this many of his disciples turned back and no longer went about with him. So Jesus asked the twelve, ‘Do you also wish to go away?’ Simon Peter answered him, ‘Lord, to whom can we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and know that you are the Holy One of God.’
The Gospel of the Lord
The Mass intention is for Teresa & Eugene Kostelecki RIP – 5pm Our Lady’s
Reflection:
The words of Jesus causes a split among his followers and some ceased to follow him but it provoked a great act of faith from Peter “Lord, to whom can we go? You have the words of eternal life”; which is comparable to the profession of Martha “Yes, Lord, I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God” (John 11:27).
To follow Jesus is to walk forward in faith, understanding that other would-be bearers of truth can never satisfy us. It is to say, whatever happens, “You have the words of eternal life”.
- How do I understand the part played by doubt in my belief? Can I recognise the ‘watershed’ moments in my life; in my relationships; in my faith? To whom can we go?