Gospel: John 6:60-69

When many of his disciples heard it, they said, ‘This teaching is difficult; who can accept it?’ But Jesus, being aware that his disciples were complaining about it, said to them, ‘Does this offend you? Then what if you were to see the Son of Man ascending to where he was before? It is the spirit that gives life; the flesh is useless. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life. But among you there are some who do not believe.’ For Jesus knew from the first who were the ones that did not believe, and who was the one that would betray him. And he said, ‘For this reason I have told you that no one can come to me unless it is granted by the Father.’ Because of this many of his disciples turned back and no longer went about with him. So Jesus asked the twelve, ‘Do you also wish to go away?’ Simon Peter answered him, ‘Lord, to whom can we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and know that you are the Holy One of God.’

Reflection:

Today’s gospel is from John 6:60-69. “What about you, do you want to go away too?” Jesus asked this to His disciples. There are two options: to believe and follow Jesus or follow the crowd and go their separate ways.

The gospel in John 6:60-69 is a deep representation that people need faith for them to survive. The gospel’s message is no different from our situation today. We are in division and while some practice their faith, there are also those who don’t. It is one’s decision to make if they want to open themselves to Jesus.

As a follower, it will be hard for you to focus on Jesus if your faith is not strong enough. The decision to follow Jesus is easy but the intent to do that is not. To follow Jesus is to leave everything behind. Like the nuns and the priests who vowed to the virtue of chastity forever. It was never easy for them to give up everything until they decided to follow Him.

To follow Jesus is to walk forward in faith and understanding. On what grounds do people walk away from Jesus? Most of us, we forget Jesus if we have everything at hand. If we have none, it is the time we seek Jesus. It should never be that way. At our happiest moments or at our worst, Jesus should be the center of everything.

So then, what is the true meaning of the gospel in John 6:60-69? It means to follow Jesus all the way until the very last breath we have as mortals. To follow Him means to sacrifice here on earth. To follow Him means to live with humility and service to everyone. To be happy even with little things and to glorify the name of the Lord our savior. – Clea | Helpline PH