Gospel – John 6: 60-69
Many of Jesus’ disciples who were listening said,
“This saying is hard; who can accept it?”
Since Jesus knew that his disciples were murmuring about this,
he said to them, “Does this shock you?
What if you were to see the Son of Man ascending
to where he was before?
It is the spirit that gives life,
while the flesh is of no avail.
The words I have spoken to you are Spirit and life.
But 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.
And he said,
“For this reason I have told you that no one can come to me
unless it is granted him by my Father.”
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?”
Simon Peter answered him, “Master, to whom shall we go?
You have the words of eternal life.
We have come to believe
and are convinced that you are the Holy One of God.”
Reflection on the Gospel
Let us remember that we are in the holy presence of God.
Many of the disciples returned to their former way of life.
In the journey of following Jesus, there is always more.
There is always more in terms of joy and blessings.
Yet, there is always more in terms of what Jesus asks of me.
I must try hard not to return to a former way of life, however good it was.
The words that he speaks to me are Spirit and life.
It remains for me to accept, believe, and follow.
The reward is eternal life.
Saint John Baptist de La Salle – Pray for us.
Live, Jesus, in our hearts – Forever.