Twenty-First Sunday of the year August 25, 2024
Joshua 24:1-2, 15-18; Ephesians 5:21-32; John 6:60-69
A churchgoer wrote a letter to a newspaper editor and complained that it made no sense to go to church every Sunday. "I've gone for 30 years now," he wrote, "and I have heard something like 3,000 sermons. But for my life, I can't remember a single one of them. So, I think I'm wasting my time and the pastors are wasting theirs by giving sermons at all. "This started a real controversy in the "Letters to the Editor" column, much to the delight of the editor. It went on for weeks until someone wrote this clincher: "I've been married for 30 years now. In that time my wife has cooked some 32,000 meals. But, for the life of me, I cannot recall the entire menu for a single one of those meals. But I do know this. They all nourished me and gave me the strength I needed to do my work. If my wife had not given me these meals, I would be physically dead today. Likewise, if I had not gone to church for nourishment, I would be spiritually dead today!" The entire controversy ended with this response.
In today’s Gospel, we read about various reactions to Jesus'
words. Two groups are unable to break through to faith. The Twelve, however,
acknowledge the person and the words of Jesus. They pledge their loyalty, i.e.,
they will go to no other. In John, faith implies that Jesus is the instrument
of the Father's revelation. Loyalty means, therefore, upholding that conviction
at all costs. In John, loyalty is the name of the game.
Today we are invited to reflect deeply on the readings
presented to us. This passage follows the profound discourse on the Bread of
Life, where Jesus reveals the necessity of eating His flesh and drinking His
blood for eternal life. Today, we witness a pivotal moment in Jesus' ministry,
where many of His disciples struggle with His teachings and ultimately turn
away.
The Challenge of Faith
In the Gospel, we see a stark reality: many of Jesus'
followers found His words difficult to accept. They questioned, “This is a hard
teaching. Who can accept it?” This moment serves as a powerful reminder that
faith is not always easy. There are times when the teachings of Christ
challenge our understanding, our comfort zones, and even our very beliefs.
In our own lives, we may encounter teachings of the Church
or aspects of our faith that we find difficult to embrace. Perhaps it is the
call to love our enemies, the demand for forgiveness, or the commitment to live
a life of service and humility. Like the disciples, we may feel tempted to walk
away when faced with these challenges. However, it is precisely in these
moments of struggle that our faith can deepen.
Peter’s Profound Confession
Amidst the turmoil of doubt and disbelief, we find Peter’s
remarkable response: “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal
life.” This declaration is not just a statement of loyalty; it is a profound
acknowledgement of the truth that Jesus embodies. Peter recognizes that, despite
the difficulties, there is no alternative to the life that Jesus offers.
In our journey of faith, we too must ask ourselves this question: “To whom shall we go?” In a world filled with distractions, competing ideologies, and fleeting pleasures, we are called to remember that true fulfilment and eternal life can only be found in Christ. He is the source of our hope, our strength, and our purpose.
The Gift of the Eucharist
As we reflect on this Gospel, we cannot overlook the
significance of the Eucharist. Jesus’ teaching about eating His flesh and
drinking His blood is a foreshadowing of the Last Supper, where He institutes
the sacrament of the Eucharist. This sacrament is not merely a symbol; it is
the real presence of Christ among us.
In the Eucharist, we are invited to partake in the divine
life of Christ. It nourishes our souls, strengthens our faith, and unites us as
one body in Him. As we approach the altar each week, we are reminded of the
incredible gift we have in the Eucharist—a gift that sustains us in our journey
and empowers us to live out our faith in the world.
Responding to the Call
As we reflect on the challenges of faith and the gift of the
Eucharist, we are also called to respond actively to Christ’s invitation. The
disciples who turned away from Jesus made a choice based on their understanding
and comfort. In contrast, Peter and the remaining disciples chose to stay,
despite their confusion and doubts.
In our lives, we are faced with choices every day. Will we
choose to follow Christ, even when the path is difficult? Will we embrace the
teachings of the Church, even when they challenge us? Our response to these
questions shapes our relationship with God and our witness to the world.
A Call to Perseverance
As we leave this place today, let us carry with us the
message of this Sunday’s readings. Let us acknowledge the struggles we face in
our faith journey and bring them to the Lord in prayer. May we find the courage
to stay close to Christ, even when His teachings challenge us.
Let us also remember the gift of the Eucharist, which
nourishes us and strengthens us for our mission. As we partake in this sacred
meal, may we be renewed in our commitment to follow Christ and share His love
with others.
In a world that often seeks to lead us astray, may we echo
Peter’s words: “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.”
Let us choose to remain with Him, trusting in His promises and living out our
faith with joy and conviction.
Happy Sunday
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