Will We Turn Away From Christ?

Weekly Missionary Reflection
21st Ordinary Sunday, 25 August 2024
Jos. 24:1-2a,15-17,18b; Ps. 34:2-3,16-17,18-19,20-21,22-23; Eph. 5:21-32; John 6:60-69

Today’s Gospel reading is telling that many followers of Jesus changed their mind and left Him after hearing the teaching of the living bread coming down from heaven. Reflecting on this fact, we must understand that despite a large crowd of people following Jesus, they had different motivations. Not many can understand Jesus’ mission in His teaching. Even we can see that the apostles, who were His closest friends, were still confused when they heard and digested the Teacher’s teachings.

“This saying is hard; who can accept it?”, this is the response of the disciples and the crowd who followed Jesus when they heard Jesus say that His flesh is true food and His blood is true drink. “Eating the flesh and drinking the blood of Jesus”, can be interpreted as accepting Jesus and His teachings in our personal lives. Most people find it difficult!

According to Jesus, those external things do not lead humans to eternal life. On the other hand, eating the flesh and drinking the blood of Jesus – that is accepting Jesus and His teachings and putting them into practice in life – will lead us to eternal life. “This is the bread that came down from heaven. Unlike your ancestors who ate and still died, whoever eats this bread will live forever.” 

Dear brothers and sisters, today’s Gospel invites us to reflect on our faith again in Jesus. Is each of us brave enough to receive the body and blood of Christ and still brave to be a follower of Jesus? Or do we feel that Jesus’ teaching of love is too hard for us to leave Him slowly? We pray that the Holy Spirit poured out on us will always confirm and strengthen our faith in Jesus Christ. God bless. 

(Br. Kornelius Glossanto, SX – Xaverian Missionary)

DAILY DEDICATED PRAYER

Lord, our Father, I present my today prayer, thought, word, work, joy, and sorrow in unity with Your Son, Jesus Christ, who always presents Himself in the Eucharist for the salvation of the world. May the Holy Spirit animating Jesus, also be my guidance and strength today so that I am ready to be the witness of Your love.

Together with Mary, Mother of Jesus, and the Church, in particular, I present my prayer for our Pope and apostle prayer of the Indonesian Church this month:

Universal Church Intent: For political leaders
We pray that political leaders be at the service of their people, working for integral human development and the common good, especially caring for the poor and those who have lost their jobs.

Indonesian Church Intent: Empowerment of low-income families
We pray that the parishes are enabled to raise the empowerment of low-income families with concrete steps, like providing cooperative services, imparting financial management, and increasing entrepreneurial spirit.

Amen.