A DECISIVE QUESTION_ John 6, 60-69

TWENTY FIRST SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME (B)

John 6, 60-69

José Antonio Pagola

English Translation by Valentine de Souza S.J.

Rev.Fr.Valentine de Souza S.J.

 On hearing it, many of his disciples said, “This is a hard teaching. Who can accept it?” Aware that his disciples were grumbling about this, Jesus said to them, “Does this offend you? What if you see the Son of Man ascend to where he was before! The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you are spirit and they are life. Yet there are some of you who do not believe.” For Jesus had known from the beginning which of them did not believe and who would betray him. 

 He went on to say, “This is why I told you that no one can come to me unless the Father has enabled him.” From this time many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed him. “You do not want to leave too, do you?” Jesus asked the Twelve. Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We believe and know that you are the Holy One of God.”

A DECISIVE QUESTION

 The Gospel of John has preserved the memory of a severe crisis among the followers of Jesus. We have hardly any facts. We are only told that the disciples found his language hard. Probably, it seemed he’d gone too far in demanding fidelity to him. The time came when “many of his disciples turned back.” They no longer followed him.

 For the first time Jesus found his words did not have the desired effect. However, he does not retract them but insists all the more: “The words I have spoken to you are spirit and they are life. Yet there are some of you who do not believe.” His words seem hard but transmit life, for they contain the Spirit of God.

 Jesus remains unperturbed. The failure does not affect him. Addressing the Twelve he asks them a crucial question: “You do not want to leave too, do you?” He does not want to hold them back by force. He leaves them free to decide. His disciples must not be servants but friends. If they want they may return home.

 Once more Peter answers on behalf of all. His answer is exemplary: sincere, humble, sensible, characteristic of a disciple who knows Jesus enough not to leave him. His attitude even today can help those who, when their faith wavers, propose to dispense with all faith.

 “Lord to whom shall we go?” It makes no sense to abandon Jesus unthinkingly without having found a better and more convincing alternative. If they do not follow Jesus they will remain without knowing whom to follow. They should not take a hasty decision. It is not good to be without light or a guide in life.

 Peter is pragmatic. Is it good to leave Jesus without having found a more convincing and attractive hope? Is it enough to replace him with lowered ideals in life without any goals or horizon? Is it better to live without questions, issues, or search of any kind?

 There is something Peter has not forgotten: “You have the words of eternal life.” He feels the words of Jesus are not empty or misleading. With him they have found another way of life. His message has opened them to eternal life. With what will they be able to replace the Gospel of Jesus? Where will they find better Good News from God?

 Finally, Peter recalls the fundamental experience. Living with Jesus they discovered that he comes from the Mystery of God. From far, at a distance, out of indifference or a lack of interest the mystery hidden in Jesus cannot be recognized. The Twelve have known him closely. So they can say: ”We believe and know.” They will continue to be with Jesus.

Help to awaken faith in Jesus

Source: URL of José Antonio Pagola's Buenas Noticias Web site: 

http://sanvicentemartirdeabando.org

Jose Antonio Pagola, vgentza@euskalnet.net , San Sebastian, Guipuzcoa, Spain.

English Translation by Valentine de Souza S.J. Mandal, Gujarat , India.394650