A REFLECTION DELIVERED BY MR. STANLEY A.

TARWO

“Do you also wish to go away?”

In [John 6:60-69], we hear of the mixed reactions of Jesus’ disciples to the Bread of Life discourse
that we have heard over the past weeks. Jesus provided bread, but his bread is not like the manna that God
provided in the wilderness; this bread is himself, his very life; and those who eat it “will live forever.” As is
often the case in John’s Gospel, small, ordinary words such as bread and life are loaded with theological
meaning. Centuries of Eucharistic theology and reflection give us a way to understand these words, but at the
time they were first spoken, they were more than puzzling—they probably were offensive to some people.
Rightly reading the mood of his audience, Jesus says, “Does this offend you?”

Jesus’ challenge sets up a critical turning point in the Gospel. Not only are we told that one of Jesus’
followers would betray him; we also learn that some of those who had been following Jesus “turned back and
no longer went about with him.” The group gets smaller as the stakes get higher. Whatever explanation Jesus
gives, some choose to walk away, thus revoking their loyalty. John uses the word “disciples” for those who
turn back. These were not casual or seasonal listeners: they were disciples who knew him and were most
likely known by him.

“Do you also wish to go away?”

Then Jesus called the Twelve together and put the question to them straightforward: “Do you also
wish to go away?” Peter plays the role of spokesperson, just as he does in the other Gospels: “Lord, to whom
can we go? You have the words of eternal life.” While the words are different, this exchange is much the
same as Peter’s confession at Caesarea Philippi. There, Jesus asks, “Who do people say that I am?” – To
which Peter responds, “You are the Messiah” (Mark 8:27-30). In both cases, the miracle of the feeding is the
backdrop for the crucial question: who is Jesus really?

Christ’s scandalous teaching today

The depth and significance of Christ’s message, and the teaching of the Church, scandalizes, in the
sense that it is often a stumbling block for the disbeliever and it is a test for the believer. The theme of
scandal, in the New Testament is connected with faith, as free acceptance of the mystery of Christ. Before
the Gospel we cannot remain indifferent, lukewarm or evasive: the Lord calls each of us personally asking us
to declare ourselves for him (cf Mt 10, 32-33).

When we are faced with the difficult teachings of Jesus and the Church, do we also wish to go away?
Is it not true that many times, because of the complexity of the issues, and the pressures of the society around
us, we may wish to “go away?”
 Peter’s response to the Jesus’ question, “Do you also wish to go away?” in the passage of this day, it
is striking. He doesn’t say, “Yes, of course,” but he doesn’t quite say “no” either. Instead, in good Gospel-
style, he answers back with another question: “To whom else can we go?” It is not the most flattering answer
in the world, but it is honest. Peter and the others stay with Jesus precisely because he has been a source of
life for them. Jesus liberated them and given them a new life.

Following Jesus and the teaching of the Church may not always be easy, or pleasant, or even totally
comprehensible, but when it comes to the eternal-life business, there’s not much out there in the way of
alternatives. This week let us not forget the words of Jesus: “Whoever eats me will live because of me.” Let
us give witness to our Catholic faith and to God’s saving graces.

Blessed are we if we do not take offense but are led by these words to abundant life.

PRAYER REQUESTS

We pray …
… for a deep and profound respect for life, especially for the
sick and the weak
… For the strength and healing of:

…all those who are sick in our community

- Birthday: For those celebrating their birthdays this month in our community

… for the healing and peace of all families

Finally, we pray for one another, for those who have asked our prayers
and for those who need our prayers the most.

Have a good day!