Appreciating God’s gifts

Today’s Gospel Text: Many of his disciples, when they heard it, said, "This is a hard saying; who can listen to it?" 61 But Jesus, knowing in himself that his disciples murmured at it, said to them, "Do you take offense at this? 62 Then what if you were to see the Son of man ascending where he was before? 63 It is the spirit that gives life, the flesh is of no avail; the words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life. 64 But there are some of you that do not believe." For Jesus knew from the first who those were that did not believe, and who it was that would betray him. 65 And he said, "This is why I told you that no one can come to me unless it is granted him by the Father." 66 After this many of his disciples drew back and no longer went about with him. 67 Jesus said to the twelve, "Do you also wish to go away?" 68 Simon Peter answered him, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life; 69 and we have believed, and have come to know, that you are the Holy One of God." John 6:60-69

Reflection:  O how easily we take it for granted the many truths of the gospel, which we have learnt from childhood, and do not value it.

In the gospel text we know that the disciples found it hard to assimilate the teaching on eating the flesh of the Son of man. We, who having been born and brought up receiving Jesus at every Eucharist take it for granted and may even not value what we are receiving.

Similarly, we take for granted so many aspects of our faith, which the disciples of Jesus, has had great difficulty in assimilating, as it was not only new but in great contrast to their Jewish faith and belief.

Hence you have the concepts of the Trinitarian God or the eating of the flesh of the Son of God, or the concept of the Son of God, a difficult proposition for those born in a Jewish tradition. 

Even though all of it had its basis in scripture, yet they failed to comprehend the truth of Jesus Christ: "Is not this why you are wrong, that you know neither the scriptures nor the power of God?” Mark 12:24

We see this truth further exemplified when Jesus confronts his disciples: "Do you take offense at this? Then what if you were to see the Son of man ascending where he was before? (vs. 61-62)

As for us we could talk about the Trinity, the Resurrection, the Ascension, the eating of the Body and drinking of the blood of Christ and yet feel quite comfortable about these basic elements of our faith.

Knowing this truth should invite us to thank God for being kind to us in revealing the truth about himself; without much difficulty because of our birth in a milieu, which we may have taken for granted.

We will never be able to fully comprehend what God has done, but we could do a lot by reflecting on the experiences of these disciples in the light of the struggle that they, who were born in a Jewish milieu, went through.

This appreciation is necessary to enable in us a greater measure of the grace of our salvation and to live a life more Dedicated to God and as his Disciples.

Prayer: I remember the days of old, I meditate on all that thou hast done; I muse on what thy hands have wrought. Ps 143:5

DD = Dedicated Discipleship:  Come grow in the Lord with us