In the first reading today from Acts 9, we see a blossoming Church. It is growing rapidly, even with the great persecution she was suffering. Peter raises a woman from the dead, and because of that, many came to believe. In the Gospel reading today, we finish up in John 6.
After Jesus talked about eating His Flesh and drinking His Blood, many of the people were upset. They figured he was some nut job talking about cannibalism. So what happened? “As a result of this, many of his disciples returned to their former way of life and no longer walked with him.” Did Jesus call them back? Did He try to clear up some terrible misunderstanding? Nope. He turned to the Twelve and asked them, “Do you also want to leave?” And Peter answers, “Master, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.”
"Do you also want to leave?" This is a question facing Christians to this very day. This notion of eating Jesus’ Flesh and drinking His Blood was repulsive to many. But the Twelve figured that Jesus must have a plan, a purpose, a way to fulfill His teaching. And, of course, He did. Still does. It is the Eucharist. The Bread of Life. His Body and Blood. So that all who eat and drink, for all time, might have eternal life.
Father, thank you for the gift of the Eucharist. Deepen our faith and understanding, that we may share this greatest gift of all with others. Amen.
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