John 6,60-69.
Today’s gospel is a sequel to Jesus’ long Eucharistic sermon in John Ch. 6 and takes place outside the synagogue. After hearing what he had to say about the need to eat his flesh and drink his blood many of his followers found his language too much to take. They were murmuring at what he said like their ancestors murmured in the desert after the Exodus. As if to double-check that they understood him, Jesus asks them again, “Does this offend you?” Does it shake your faith? Without waiting for a reply, he goes on to ask about seeing the Son of man ascend to heaven. He wonders if they reject his claim to have come down from heaven what they will think if they see him (the Son of Man – a heavenly figure in Daniel) ascending to heaven.
Immediately then, he refers back to the contrasts between what comes from the spirit and the flesh, already spoken about to Nicodemus (3,6). Jesus mentions that the spirit gives life, and the flesh can’t. It is the ascended Son of Man who can give the life -giving spirit. Only the one who accepts the words of Jesus will receive the life- giving spirit that he can give.
Jesus knows that there were some who did not believe in him, or accept his words – a theme that occurred earlier in this discourse (How can Jesus the son of Joseph say he came down from heaven? 6,41). He knew from the outset those disciples who misunderstood him and do not believe in him – Judas being the obvious example. Only those drawn by the Father believe in Jesus and come to him. This touches on the profound mystery of God’s initiative and grace
After this many of his disciples walked no more with Jesus. They were no longer prepared to devote themselves to him or accept his teaching. It must have been a huge disappointment for him that they could not accept what he so wanted them to believe for their own spiritual good.
Jesus then checks with the twelve to know if they want to go away too. Peter their leader speaks. His question “To whom shall we go?” says it all. In their original call Jesus invited his disciples to come and see and spend time with him. Peter is affirming that they came to stay then and that’s what they are going to do now, as well. “You have the message of eternal life” reiterates what Jesus has just said, that his words “are Spirit and they are life.” The disciples come as ones drawn by the Father, they recognise the teaching of Jesus as spirit and life, believe in him and will stay with him. “We believe and we know that you are the Son of the living God,” leaves no room for doubt and contrasts eloquently with those who have just left him because of their lack of faith. This confession is the equivalent of Peter’s Caesarea Philippi Confession in Matthew, (16,16), and Mark and Luke.
Jesus finishes the discourse with an unexpected turn by referring to his betrayal by Judas, one of the twelve, for whom Peter as spokesman has just vouched, and whom Jesus himself has chosen. It is a salutary reminder than no one, can take their discipleship, their spiritual condition, or their faith for granted.
It is important for us, as Christians, to celebrate the Eucharist, but for John, we are called to be Eucharist like Jesus was , ie to be taken, to give thanks, to be broken and given to the Lord and for the Lord, to others and for others, which is our greatest challenge as believers in and followers of Jesus.
Fr Geoff O’Grady