5/10/2025 (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.

5/10/2025 (Saturday) Today’s Gospel reflection / sermon / homily: John 6:60-69

This Gospel passage gives us a message to have faith when the path is hard. After delivering a teaching that many found difficult — speaking of Himself as the Bread of Life and calling His followers to eat His flesh and drink His blood — many of His disciples began to grumble. “This is a hard saying,” they said. “Who can listen to it?” (v. 60). One by one, they turned back and no longer walked with Him.

This moment of departure is striking. These were people who had followed Jesus, seen His miracles, and perhaps even called Him “Lord.” Yet when His words became challenging, when His way no longer fit into their understanding or comfort zone, they left.

And then, Jesus turns to the Twelve and asks the most piercing question:
“Do you also want to go away?”

Peter’s answer is not only one of the most beautiful confessions in Scripture, it is a blueprint for enduring faith:
“Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life, and we have believed and have come to know that you are the Holy One of God.” (vv. 68–69)

This passage speaks to all of us who have ever experienced doubt, disappointment, or difficulty in following Jesus. There will be moments when His path feels confusing, when His teachings confront us, when suffering or silence shake our faith. And in those moments, we, too, hear His voice asking, “Will you leave also?”

Here is the truth: Faith is not always about understanding everything. It is not about comfort or ease. It is about trust. Peter didn’t say, “Lord, I understand everything you’ve just said.” He said, “Lord, we believe and we have come to know.” It was a declaration rooted not in clarity, but in conviction. He stayed because he knew who Jesus was even when he didn’t fully grasp what Jesus was saying.

We live in a time when many are walking away from faith, disillusioned by institutions, hurt by people, or discouraged by life’s trials. Some leave because the teachings of Jesus challenge the values of the world or their values and thinking. But Jesus does not soften His message to win the approval of His audience. He speaks truth because He is Truth. And He calls us not to popularity or comfort, but to Himself.

Faith like Peter’s is courageous. It says:
“I may not understand, but I trust You.”
“I may feel confused, but I know You are good.”
“I have nowhere else to go because only You have the words of eternal life.”

That kind of faith holds on, not because the path is easy, but because the One leading us is worth following.

Let this be our prayer: Lord Jesus, to whom shall we go? When we are disappointed, tired, or struggling, may we return to you again and again. May we remember your love displayed on the cross, your power in the resurrection, and your presence in every trial. May we anchor our hearts not in the shifting sands of public opinion or personal emotion, but in the unshakable truth of who you are.

So when the way is hard, stay with Jesus. When the world pulls away, stay with Jesus. When the questions outnumber the answers, stay with Jesus. Not out of fear, but out of love. Because Jesus is not merely a good teacher or a wise prophet. He is the Holy One of God. And He alone has the words of eternal life. Amen.

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