Prayer:
O Lord Jesus, to whom shall we go?
Imagination:
Picture Jesus surrounded by the crowds.
Context:
In explaining the Eucharist, Jesus used the very explicit phrases, “eat my flesh” and “drink my blood.” Some disciples could not accept this teaching. They walked away. As Jesus asks the Twelve what they will do, Peter answers that Jesus has the words of everlasting life. This is a very important text.
Gospel Text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud.)
Many of the disciples said, “This is a difficult saying, who can accept it?” But Jesus, knowing that his disciples were murmuring, said, “Does this scandalize you? What if you were to see the Son of Man ascending to where he was before? It is the spirit which gives life. The flesh profits nothing. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life. But there are some of you that do not believe.”
Jesus knew from the beginning the ones who would not believe and the one who would betray him. Jesus continued: “This is why I have said that no one can come to me, unless it is given to him by my Father.
From this time on, many of his disciples walked away. Jesus said to the Twelve, “Will you also go away?” Simon Peter answered, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of everlasting life. We have believed and have come to know that you are the Christ, the Son of God.”
Thoughts: (Read all. Ponder the ones that attract you.)
- Some disciples approach Jesus by reason and not by faith.
- Human reason cannot grasp the great mysteries.
- The greatest mystery is that Jesus is God and has descended to earth.
- He will ascend to heaven taking all his disciples with him.
- To eat his flesh and drink his blood are the necessary means to ascend with Jesus.
- Rejecting this gift, some walk away.
- Peter does not understand the mystery either, but he knows that Jesus has the “words of everlasting life.”
Affections: (When one touches your heart, use your own words.)
- Jesus, do not let me be a superficial disciple who murmurs and walks away.
- O Jesus, I will never abandon you. Draw me so I cling to you.
- My intellect is so small, Lord, and your mysteries are so great.
- O Jesus, you know my heart, weak yet loyal to you.
- What a privilege to eat your flesh and drink your blood.
- You have ascended into heaven and your Body and Blood prepare me to do the same.
Resolutions: (Possibly you might want to make your own.)
+ I will deepen my friendship with Jesus by more frequent reception of Holy Communion.
+ I will ask to understand the great mysteries.
Thought for the Day: (To recall your meditation.)
Will you also go away? Lord, you have the words of everlasting life.