August 25, 2024: Twenty-First Sunday in Ordinary Time

Gospel: John 6: 60-69

Many of the disciples remarked, “We cannot put up with this kind of talk! How can anyone take it seriously?” Jesus was fully aware that the disciples were murmuring in protest at what he had said. “Is this a stumbling block for you?” he asked them. “What, then, if you were to see the Chosen One ascend to where the Chosen One came from? It is the spirit that gives life; the flesh in itself is useless. The words I have spoken to you are spirit and life. Yet among you there are some who do not believe.” Jesus knew from the start, of course, the ones who would refuse to believe and the one who would betray him. He went on to say: “This is why I have told you that no one can come to me unless it is granted by Abba God.” From this time on, many of the disciples broke away and would not remain in the company of Jesus. Jesus then said to the Twelve, “Are you going to leave me, too?” Simon Peter answered, “Rabbi, where would we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe; we are convinced that you are the Holy One of God.”

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Reflection

Our Gospel today brings us to the conclusion of Chapter 6, the Bread of Life Discourse. Last week the crowds and the Temple authorities struggled with Jesus’ proclamation that “if you do not eat the flesh and drink the blood of the Chosen One, you will not have life in you.”

Now the focus is on the disciples and then the Twelve who have their opportunity to respond to Jesus’ life-giving words. Many of the disciples, that is those who have become close to Jesus while following him on his journeys and witnessing his actions,  are also grumbling, incredulous and quarrelsome.

They choose to reject his words that are spirit and life, leave his company and return to their former lives. When Jesus turns to the Twelve, Peter, speaking for them, acknowledges that Jesus does indeed have the words of eternal life and affirms Jesus’ identity as the Holy One of God.

I reflected on how Jesus may have spent the seconds (or maybe minutes?) waiting for a response from the Twelve. In his humanity, was he steeling himself for another rejection? What was that “in between” time like for him then?

What is it like for him now as he awaits my daily decision about consciously allowing him to live (abide) in me and I in him? As he was vulnerable in his asking, am I willing to be vulnerable in my affirmation of him?

Action

Perhaps this week, spend some time in prayer reflecting on what it is that you hunger and thirst for the most. Trust St. Augustine’s words: “Christ is the bread, awaiting hunger.” And then, after sharing your hunger, allow yourself to hear Jesus say to you, I will fulfill all your hunger and more.