Will We Stay?
Twenty-First Sunday in Ordinary Time (B)
Read this Gospel passage aloud to the family
John 6:60-69 - Many of the disciples of Jesus who were listening said, “This saying is hard; who can accept it?” Since Jesus knew that his disciples were murmuring about this, he said to them, “Does this shock you? What if you were to see the Son of Man ascending to where he was before? It is the Spirit that gives life, while the flesh is of no avail. The words I have spoken to you are Spirit and life. But there are some of you who do not believe.” Jesus knew from the beginning the ones who would not believe and the one who would betray him. And he said, “For this reason I have told you that no one can come to me unless it is granted him by my Father.”
As a result of this, many of his disciples returned to their former way of life and no longer walked with him. Jesus then said to the Twelve, “Do you also want to leave?” Simon Peter answered him, “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.”
(Parent) Reread this part a few times aloud
“As a result of this, many of his disciples returned to their former way of life and no longer walked with him.”
(Parent) Read this meditation aloud to the family
It is interesting to see what Jesus doesn’t do in the Gospel. Many of His listeners are so troubled by His teachings about eating His Flesh that they no longer follow Him. Notice that Jesus doesn’t chase after them. If He had meant this teaching figuratively, He would have clarified, “wait, wait, I was only speaking of this symbolically.” But He is not speaking symbolically; He’s speaking literally… and they know it! So He lets them walk away. Certainly, Jesus wants these people to follow Him for their own good. But this teaching about eating Jesus’ real Flesh in the Eucharist isn’t an optional item for our Faith. The Eucharist is too important.
Certainly, many teachings of the Faith aren’t easy. Jesus never said they would be. In fact, after this incident, He turns to His disciples and asks frankly, “Do you also want to leave?” He asks us the same question. What will we do when we can’t understand one of His teachings? Will we consider ourselves right and the Church wrong, and walk our own way? Many have. Or will we stay? We don’t need to understand everything perfectly; the disciples didn’t. We need to have faith that God is always doing what is best for us. “Do not be afraid; just have faith” (Luke 8:50).
As a family, pray a portion of the Rosary together (very short if children are young) reflecting on the Scripture passage above. (Optional: allow a brief time for discussion or questions from children concerning their thoughts and prayer.)
Reminder for Parents: Pier is just meant to be a jumping off point. The real goal is that you pray & eventually use the fruits of your personal prayer as the content of your family’s prayer. Duc in altum.
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