Peace in Christ!
This weekend, the universal Church concludes five Sundays of meditating on the Bread of Life Discourse from Chapter 6 of St. John’s Gospel. In the closing verses of this epic and eminent chapter, we hear, what I think, is one of the most inspiring professions of faith in all of Sacred Scripture. It comes from the heart of St. Peter.
After many of Jesus’ disciples leave him because of his teaching about eating His flesh and drinking His blood, Jesus turns to his friends, who have become like brothers at this point, and says, “Do you also want to leave?” (My heart sinks when I imagine Jesus asking me this.) And Peter responds, for himself and the others, “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.”
Peter’s anointed words should be a memory-verse for us all. I have found these words consoling in times of uncertainty, sorrow, and confusion. When things don’t make sense, when the future seems unclear, when things aren’t going how you thought they should be: “Master, to whom shall we go? You are the Holy One of God.” I would encourage us to keep these words close. Jesus is with us.
I think these words are especially important as our relationship with our Eucharistic Lord deepens. Love always chooses to be present. The Eucharist is the Sacrament of Love. Jesus, our Eucharistic Love, promises to be with us always until the end of time, and He is. No amount of reading, writing, or preaching will ever fully reveal or explain this sacred mystery of the Lord’s Body and Blood to us. It brings us to our knees and leaves us speechless, full of awe, maybe confused sometimes, but also desiring more—all of this is appropriate. Jesus, we want more. You have the words of eternal life; You are eternal life. Thank You, Jesus, for always remaining with us and nourishing us.
Most are back to morning routines, morning traffic, and school starting this week. I am right there with you as I begin my part-time ministry at Mount St. Joe. Solidarity! Young people, please be assured of my prayers for you! The Lord has prepared the path before you this school year. Parents and loved ones of our young people, your generosity and sacrifices are known to the Lord. May His peace be yours. May we all begin this new school year with joyful hope and expectation of all we will learn, with gratitude for friends old and new, and all the many signs of God’s goodness to us along the way. God bless you!
In Christ,
Fr. John
