4/20/2024 (Saturday) Today’s gospel reading: John 6:60-69

60 Many therefore of his disciples, hearing it, said: This saying is hard, and who can hear it?
61 But Jesus, knowing in himself, that his disciples murmured at this, said to them: Does this scandalize you?
62 What if you were to see the Son of Man ascending to where he was before?
63 It is the Spirit that gives life, while the flesh profits nothing. The words that I have spoken to you, are spirit and life.
64 But there are some of you that believe not. For Jesus knew from the beginning, who they were that did not believe, and who he was, that would betray him.
65 And he said, Therefore did I say to you, that no man can come to me, unless it be given him by my Father.
66 After this many of his disciples went back; and walked no more with him.
67 Then Jesus said to the twelve: Will you also go away?
68 And Simon Peter answered him: Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.
69 And we have believed and have known, that you are the Christ, the Son of God.

4/20/2024 (Saturday) Today’s gospel reflection / homily / sermon: John 6:60-69

In the gospel reading above, we encounter a moment of profound decision and realization among Jesus’ followers. Many disciples, confronted with the challenging teachings of Jesus about being the bread of life, admit, “This is a hard teaching. Who can accept it?” This scripture invites us to reflect on the nature of faith and the essence of true discipleship.

The passage highlights a critical juncture where the path of following Jesus diverges sharply from the easier routes of the world. It reminds us that the journey with Christ is not always one of comfort or simple truths; it is often marked by complex, demanding teachings that challenge our understanding and stretch our faith. Yet, this is precisely where the depth of our commitment to Him is tested.

As many disciples turn away, unable to reconcile their expectations with the reality of Jesus’ words, Simon Peter’s response shines as a beacon of steadfast faith. Faced with the choice to leave, Peter responds, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and to know that you are the Holy One of God.” His declaration is not just a statement of loyalty, but an acknowledgment of the transformative power of Jesus’ teachings.

This passage inspires us to ask ourselves: when faced with difficult truths, where do we turn? Peter’s example encourages us to cling to Jesus, the source of eternal life and truth, even when the teachings are hard and the path is not clear. In our moments of doubt and challenge, let us remember that the essence of our faith lies not in seeking easy answers, but in pursuing the profound, sometimes difficult truths that Jesus offers.

May we, like Peter, recognize that in Jesus alone we find the words of eternal life, and let that recognition shape our journey, drawing us closer to Him in genuine faith and unwavering commitment.

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