Francis Gayang csc –
Readings: Acts 9:31-42; Jn 6:60-69
“Do you also wish to go away?” Jesus’ teachings seem to be so hard that some could not think of continuing to be his disciples. Jesus makes it clear that he is not here to please anyone, but on an important mission that could be accomplished only by Him (Mt 5:17). He does not compromise. His teachings are basic instructions required for salvation and are part of his mission.
We are invited to deny even our own self and take up our daily crosses (Mt:16-24). So, anyone, who finds it too hard, are free to make their choice; for God’s ways are not our ways, nor his thoughts, ours (Is 55:8-9).
Like the disciples in today’s passage, many of us may find it hard to digest Jesus’ words if we do not rely on his wisdom or listen to him with an attentive heart. It is a listening heart that will reveal to us the mystery behind the words of Jesus.
If our focus is on ourselves and on our work, then we are bound to limit ourselves, and we may tend to misunderstand every word he speaks. And at the end of the day, we too will probably find him to be a hard teacher and will be tempted to fill our hearts with something worldly. We need Peter-like trust in the ways of God. Though Peter did not comprehend everything, he was ready to admit that he was unworthy.
He just threw himself under God’s guidance like a child, “Lord to whom can we go; you have the words of eternal life.” Let this be our prayer today as we journey in our spiritual life.