The conversations in today’s Gospel passage follows Jesus’ assertion that whoever eats His flesh and drinks His blood will have eternal life.[1] This was simply too much for some of His followers and they left. In leaving, they were, perhaps, like the seed that fell on the path, the rocky ground, or among the thorns. Their faith wasn’t strong, and their interest in Jesus’ message was gone.[2]
In response to Jesus’ subsequent question to the Twelve as to whether or not they would also leave Him, Peter makes a profound statement of faith: “Master, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and are convinced that you are the Holy One of God.”[3]
For someone with that strength of faith, there would be no reason to leave Jesus; there would be no reason to look elsewhere, despite the distractions, despite the challenges and difficulties that often come with being His followers, for, in Christ, we have everything we truly need.
Perhaps a prayer of St. Julian of Norwich might also be ours. I often begin my day with this prayer: “God, of your goodness, give me yourself, for you are enough for me, and I can ask for nothing which is less which can pay you full worship. And if I ask for anything else, always I am in want; but in you do I have everything.”[4]
[1] John 6:54
[2] Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23
[3] John 6:68-69
[4] Julian of Norwich, Showings, 1978, Paulist Press, New York, NY, p. 184.
Homily for Friday of the 4th Week of Easter
Homily for the Feast of St. Mark, Evangelist
Homily for Wednesday of the 4th Week of Easter
Homily for Tuesday of the 4th Week of Easter
Homily for Monday of the 4th Week of Easter
Homily for the 4th Sunday of Easter
Homily for Saturday of the 3rd Week of Easter
Homily for Friday of the 3rd Week of Easter
Homily for Thursday of the 3rd Week of Easter
Homily for Wednesday of the 3rd Week of Easter
Homily for Tuesday of the 3rd Week of Easter
Homily for Monday of the 3rd Week of Easter
Homily for the 3rd Sunday of Easter
Homily for Saturday of the 2nd Week of Easter
Homily for Friday of the 2nd Week of Easter
Homily for the Memorial of St. Stanislaus
Homily for Wednesday of the 2nd Week of Easter
Homily for Tuesday of the 2nd Week of Easter
Homily for the Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord
Homily for the 2nd Sunday of Easter (Divine Mercy Sunday)
Create your
podcast in
minutes
It is Free
Cast The Word
Let Me Be Frank | Bishop Frank Caggiano’s Podcast | Diocese of Bridgeport, CT
Christ is All: Frank Viola Audio
The Bible Recap
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)