To Whom Shall We Go? 21st Sunday of Ordinary Time (B), August 25, 2024

As the 6th chapter of John's Gospel comes to an end this Sunday...as well as his lengthy teaching on the Bread of Life...there are no cheers nor gusty rounds of applause. To the contrary, most of his own disciples walk away from him, except the Twelve. It must surely have been a most discouraging moment for Jesus and a confusing one for Peter and the other eleven. At this nadir of his ministry, Jesus asks the few remaining with him, "Do you also want to leave me?" Peter's answer on behalf of the others is almost certainly deeply moving for Jesus. "Master, to whom shall we go? We have come to believe and are convinced that you are the Holy One of God." Jesus' question is given to us as well and so each day in our prayer, we must answer. 

Homily shared with the Saint Francis Catholic Community of Cuenca, Ecuador. This day is also the 45th anniversary of Father Kevin Codd's ordination to the priesthood, which is reflected in his words today especially the final reflection.