Cycle B - Year I:

23 August 2015: Twenty First Sunday in Ordinary Time
(Liturgical color: Green)

John 6:60-69


"You have the words of eternal life."


How strong is our faith? That seems to be a "shocking" question, but not really if we observe some of those who profess to be "Catholics" but practice their faith selectively or by convenience. That is to say, they take only what they want to believe in the Church teaching and disregard, or even contradict, the teachings that are most "challenging" to them in terms of life witnessing. Are they who are called "Cafeteria Catholics"?

In his recent preaching, Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio G. Cardinal Tagle has expressed disappointment that many Christian Filipinos fail to draw inspiration from the Good News at Holy Mass. According to him, many parishioners often grab the opportunity to nap when the Gospel is being proclaimed at Mass. And he asks, "Why is it easier to spread gossip than the Good News?"

Throwback..... Jesus was in a similar predicament when He reveals to his listeners and disciples that

He is the Bread of Life. In this Sunday's Gospel proclamation, which is the conclusion of our Lord's discourse on the Eucharist, Jesus confronts His followers to make a choice. Either they believe Him and ask for this bread or reject His claim on Himself. It is decision time for His followers.

The religious leaders and other followers were scandalized by Jesus' claim. They find His teaching difficult to swallow and no longer follow Him. They cease to be His disciples and deserted Him. So Jesus also asks the Twelve Apostles: "Do you also want to leave?"

It was Simon Peter who professed their 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." (Jn 6:68-69)

Peter's profession of loyalty was based on a personal relationship with Jesus. Through the gift of faith Peter knew that Jesus was the Messiah, the Holy One of God, and he believed in His words.

Throughout His ministry, Jesus offers his life-giving word and Spirit to those who believe and who submit to His authority.

Real faith seeks understanding. That is why God gives us the help of the Holy Spirit to enlighten the eyes of our mind to understand His truth and revelation.

Faith is our response to God's revelation. It is the key to seeing God work in our lives. But we have to make the difficult choice of accepting our Lord Jesus or rejecting Him. We cannot be content with merely drifting through life.

So many things are happening in our lives and in our world today that shock us. The Lord invites us to receive Him as the Bread of Life. We can also refuse Him. Or like Peter we respond to our Lord's invitation, "To whom shall we go?"

Let us pray: Lord Jesus, You have the words of everlasting life. Help me to cast aside doubts and fear and to embrace Your word with trust and joy. I surrender my life to You. May there be nothing which keeps me from You and Your love." Amen.

A blessed Sunday to us all. And thank you for a moment with God.

Ad Jesum per Mariam!