August 22, 2021
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.”
– John 6:68-69
Brothers and Sisters,
As our reflections from John 6 focused on Christ’s teachings on the Eucharist in John 6 come to a close, we are reminded of the challenge presented to all who follow Jesus. He knew that this teaching would be a difficult one to embrace. As a result, many of his followers simply stopped listening. The call to conversion was too daunting. While Jesus offers us the eternal “spirit and life” ( John 6:63), accepting this gift requires heavy lifting and willingness to continue conversion. Will we be like Jesus’ closest disciples — it’s Peter who answers, “Lord, to whom shall we go?”, with the commitment to stay by his side.
St. Paul likewise recognized the challenge that Jesus’ gift of the Eucharist offers us. We are to be consumed by Christ and transformed into the Body of Christ. In words often misunderstood by our contemporary ears, Paul tells the Ephesians, “Be subordinate to one another out of reverence for Christ.” The words that follow make modern sensibilities cringe, beginning with the command that “wives should be subordinate to their husbands as to the Lord.” The key to understanding Paul’s inspired message is in the last verses of the chapter: “This is a great mystery, but I speak in reference to Christ and the church.” Our subordination is ultimately offered to our Lord. Living in obedience is not always easy but made easier with the support of our family, friends, and parish family, too, as we ever discern God’s will in our life. Jesus is the source of all that is good and holy; may we ever strive to follow the path together that he has laid out for us.
St. Joseph, pray for us.
Live Jesus in our hearts, forever.
Rev. Michael S. Triplett