John 6:60-69

Gospel according to John 6:60-69

Many of his disciples, when they heard it, said, "This is a hard saying; who can listen to it?" But Jesus, knowing in himself that his disciples murmured at it, said to them, "Do you take offense at this? Then what if you were to see the Son of man ascending where he was before? It is the spirit that gives life, the flesh is of no avail; the words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life. But there are some of you that do not believe." For Jesus knew from the first who those were that did not believe, and who it was that would betray him. And he said, "This is why I told you that no one can come to me unless it is granted him by the Father." After this many of his disciples drew back and no longer went about with him. Jesus said to the twelve, "Do you also wish to go away?" Simon Peter answered him, "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."

Reflections

Today’s reflections highlight a pivotal moment when Jesus’ teachings challenge His followers directly. When Jesus asks, “Do you take offense at this?” He acknowledges the difficulty of His message. Unlike the people in the crowd who witnessed the miracle of provision and turned away when confronted with Jesus’ message of salvation, the Apostles affirm their faith: “We [...] have come to know that you are the Holy One of God.” This question invites us to examine our own responses to challenging truths. Are we open to accepting teachings that may be hard to understand or follow, or do we turn away when faced with discomfort?

Central to this passage, as emphasized in previous readings, is the concept of Jesus as our spiritual food. When Jesus states: “The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life,” He emphasizes that His teachings nourish our souls, much like food sustains our bodies. It reminds us to seek sustenance not just in physical nourishment but in spiritual wisdom and understanding, which Jesus explains will lead us to eternal life.

A test of allegiance is evident when Jesus points out, “But there are some of you that do not believe.” This highlights the reality that not everyone will accept His message. It serves as a reminder of the importance of faith and commitment in our spiritual journey. Belief in Jesus and His teachings is not just a matter of intellectual agreement, but a heartfelt allegiance that shapes our actions and lives.

Peter’s response, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life,” demonstrates the unique, precious and irreplaceable nature of Jesus’ message. It reflects a profound recognition that true life and salvation can only be found in Him. This declaration invites us to consider where we seek our ultimate truth and guidance, reaffirming the centrality of Jesus’ words in our lives.

The past four Sunday Gospel readings have been leading up to a conclusion which is fulfilled in today’s passage: Overall, just like the Apostles, we are challenged to reflect on our acceptance of Jesus’ teachings, the nourishment we seek for our souls, our faith and the divine authority of Jesus’ words. We are called to a deeper commitment and understanding of the spiritual life Jesus offers in communion with God the Father.

What can separate us from the love of God, and from following Christ? It can be our will, our sin, or distraction with the world, intention, omission, or human weakness. But once we make a choice to follow Him, St. Paul affirms that no one and nothing will stand in our way. “Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will hardship, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? [...] For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus, our Lord.” (Romans 8:35,37-39)

Any choice is a matter of will. God does not ask us to give up our will, on the contrary, to use it fully in His service. That means to offer it freely, out of our own choice as a conscious and responsible decision – To be conscious and free is to be responsible.