John 6 60 – 69

Many among his disciples heard this and said, “This is tough teaching, too tough to swallow.”

Jesus sensed that his disciples were having a hard time with this and said, “Does this throw you completely? What would happen if you saw the Son of Man ascending to where he came from? The Spirit can make life. Sheer muscle and willpower don’t make anything happen. Every word I’ve spoken to you is a Spirit-word, and so it is life-making. But some of you are resisting, refusing to have any part in this.” (Jesus knew from the start that some weren’t going to risk themselves with him. He knew also who would betray him.) He went on to say, “This is why I told you earlier that no one is capable of coming to me on his own. You get to me only as a gift from the Father.”

After this a lot of his disciples left. They no longer wanted to be associated with him. Then Jesus gave the Twelve their chance: “Do you also want to leave?”

Peter replied, “Master, to whom would we go? You have the words of real life, eternal life. We’ve already committed ourselves, confident that you are the Holy One of God.”

Gospel Reflection

Life is made up of many choices, big and small. Human, spiritual and religious choices. Peter had this sort of choice today. Would he go after Jesus or leave like others did. He stayed and he would have many more attempts at that choice. Why did he stay? Our choices come from something within us. We need Christ within us if we are to follow him.

Peter had enough of love for Jesus inside him to make this choice. It might not always be easy and he would give in later but come back. His choice eventually would be to answer Jesus’ question – do you love me?

The choice for Jesus is the choice for love. In all sorts of ways. For those near at hand. If you choose Jesus then the hunger of the world as well as the tears of a family baby affects you. What we do in love for others comes from the deepest part of life. We need to fill our lives with Christ to be able to share this love in big and small ways. We need the company of other choosers. The community of faith and of the church. Peter says – to whom shall we go to?