Pastor’s Notes

The question of the hour!  In whose company will we walk?  Jesus in John’s Gospel called his life the “bread which gives life to the world.”  This caused a reaction for his listeners.  Some thought he was blaspheming…disrespecting God.  Others were awed or just plain frightened by the immensity of what he offered them.

John’s Gospel tells us the number of disciples diminished. First, there were the 5,000 (men) who ate of the bread Jesus received from the child and blessed and broke and shared. Then we hear of an unknown number who sought him, and then enough to fit in a synagogue, and those were arguing among themselves because Jesus’ teaching was so difficult to accept.

For these past five summer weeks, we have been reflecting on John’s Bread of Life  —  summarized in symbolic action at the Last Supper when Jesus washed the feet of his disciples.  Jesus presents himself as God’s self-gift for the life of the world. The striking images of bread and flesh and blood make his message as concrete as possible.   The Word of God became flesh to give life to everyone who would accept it, to anyone who would receive and take in that Word.   Jesus’ offer to those who would receive him is nothing less than an invitation to the adventure of “unlimited love” that leads to “unlimited life.”

Those disciples who have remained this long with Jesus begin to see the implications of what he has been teaching them.  “This is too hard,” they whine. Those who are concerned primarily with their own well-being will not be able to stay with him. He’s approaching them on the level of the Spirit of God, not the flesh. That is why he says again that no one can come to him unless the Father grants it. Only those who allow themselves to be drawn by grace can accept his crazy, countercultural message.  Br. Tito put up a sign in our new basement conference room a few years back,  “Working for the Lord doesn’t pay much.  But the retirement is out of this world.”

“Bastante”… Enough is a powerful word.   That was finally enough for many would-be disciples. When they left, Jesus turned to the twelve, the representatives of the new community, and asked the sharp question, “Do you also want to leave?” Peter has learned something from his Master over many parables and miracles.   Rather than answer the question Jesus asked, Peter responded that there was no one with whom they would rather be.

“We have come to believe…” says Peter.  Martha said the same as she met Jesus on the road to raising her brother Lazarus.  I have come to believe, watching St. Mary’s parish do its work here in central Phoenix.  Last Saturday we welcomed three new members of our community with the Sacrament of Baptism.  We had seventy young adults join us for Wednesday evening with the friars.  Our Vincent de Paul is generous with it home visits, food, and rental assistance, day in and day out. It is a slow process, coming to believe.  Although Jesus goes on to add more than they can understand at the moment, that first phrase said enough. They are committed to remain, to abide with him as they continue to “come to believe.”

A Gentle week,
Fr. Michael Weldon, OFM

Adapted from St Joseph Sister Mary McGlone recent article in Celebration.