A Call to Commitment and Faith

Today’s readings present a profound invitation to reflect on the choices we make in our spiritual journey. They center on a vital theme: the call to make a deliberate and conscious decision to serve the Lord. This theme weaves through the renewal of the covenant by the Israelites in Joshua, the call to collective praise and trust in Psalm 34, the encouragement to mutual submission and love within the Christian household in Ephesians, and the challenging yet life-giving words of Jesus in John 6 regarding the Eucharist.

These passages remind us that faith is not passive but an active commitment. They draw us into a reflection on our lives: What does it mean to serve the Lord today? How can we live out our faith in a world that often presents us with conflicting values and distractions? The readings invite us to recommit to our covenant with God, both as individuals and within our communities, and to embrace the fullness of Christian life, even when it’s challenging.

First Reading – Joshua 24:1-2, 15-18

A Covenant Renewed

The first reading is from the book of Joshua, specifically the concluding chapter where Joshua, the faithful servant of the Lord, calls the people of Israel to renew their covenant with God at Shechem. This moment is of profound significance in the history of Israel, as it represents a collective affirmation of their identity as God’s chosen people, bound by the covenant established with Abraham and renewed through Moses.

Joshua is set during a time when the Israelites, having entered the Promised Land, are transitioning from a nomadic existence to a settled life. The cultural and religious context of this passage is rich with the struggles of a people surrounded by foreign nations with their own deities and practices. Joshua, nearing the end of his life, gathers the tribes to remind them of their history, their identity, and the choice that lies before them: to serve the Lord or to be seduced by the gods of the surrounding cultures.

Joshua 24:1-2, 15-18 – New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition

The Tribes Renew the Covenant
¹ Then Joshua gathered all the tribes of Israel to Shechem, and summoned the elders, the heads, the judges, and the officers of Israel; and they presented themselves before God. ² And Joshua said to all the people, “Thus says the Lord, the God of Israel: Long ago your ancestors—Terah and his sons Abraham and Nahor—lived beyond the Euphrates and served other gods.
¹⁵ Now if you are unwilling to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served in the region beyond the River or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living; but as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.”
¹⁶ Then the people answered, “Far be it from us that we should forsake the Lord to serve other gods; ¹⁷ for it is the Lord our God who brought us and our ancestors up from the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery, and who did those great signs in our sight. He protected us along all the way that we went, and among all the peoples through whom we passed; ¹⁸ and the Lord drove out before us all the peoples, the Amorites who lived in the land. Therefore we also will serve the Lord, for he is our God.”

Detailed Exegesis

Verse 1: “Then Joshua gathered all the tribes of Israel to Shechem, and summoned the elders, the heads, the judges, and the officers of Israel; and they presented themselves before God.”

Joshua’s gathering of all the tribes at Shechem is deeply symbolic. Shechem is not just a random location; it is a place of immense historical and spiritual significance. It was here that God first appeared to Abraham and promised him the land (Genesis 12:6-7). By choosing Shechem for this covenant renewal, Joshua is linking this moment with the very origins of their identity as God’s people. The gathering of all the leaders—elders, heads, judges, and officers—emphasizes that this is a communal event. The covenant is not just with individuals but with the entire nation of Israel. The phrase “presented themselves before God” indicates that this is not merely a political or social gathering but a sacred assembly in the presence of the Lord, underscoring the seriousness of the occasion.

Verse 2: “And Joshua said to all the people, ‘Thus says the Lord, the God of Israel: Long ago your ancestors—Terah and his sons Abraham and Nahor—lived beyond the Euphrates and served other gods.’”

Joshua begins by recounting the history of their ancestors, specifically mentioning Terah, Abraham’s father, who served other gods. This reminder serves two purposes. First, it contrasts the pagan past with the monotheistic present, highlighting the radical shift that occurred with God’s call to Abraham. Second, it underscores the idea that faith in the one true God is a gift and a calling that sets them apart from their ancestors. The reference to serving “other gods” is a subtle warning against the temptation to revert to idolatry, which would mean turning away from the covenant established by God.

Verse 15: “Now if you are unwilling to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served in the region beyond the River or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living; but as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.”

This verse is perhaps one of the most powerful declarations of faith in the Old Testament. Joshua presents the people with a stark choice: serve the Lord or serve other gods. The decision is urgent—“choose this day”—and it demands a clear and definitive response. Joshua’s statement, “as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord,” is a personal testimony of his unwavering commitment to God. It also serves as a model for the people, showing that the choice to serve God is not just an individual one but involves one’s entire household. This verse reflects the covenantal nature of faith, where the commitment of the leader influences the entire community.

Verses 16-18: “Then the people answered, ‘Far be it from us that we should forsake the Lord to serve other gods; for it is the Lord our God who brought us and our ancestors up from the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery, and who did those great signs in our sight. He protected us along all the way that we went, and among all the peoples through whom we passed; and the Lord drove out before us all the peoples, the Amorites who lived in the land. Therefore we also will serve the Lord, for he is our God.’”

The response of the people is a solemn reaffirmation of their covenant with God. They recognize that it was the Lord who delivered them from slavery in Egypt, guided them through the wilderness, and gave them victory over their enemies. This acknowledgment of God’s mighty deeds serves as the foundation for their renewed commitment. The repetition of “we also will serve the Lord, for he is our God” reinforces the communal aspect of their faith. It is not just an individual decision but a collective one, rooted in gratitude and trust in God’s faithfulness.

Teachings and References

The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches that faith is a personal adherence to God and an assent to His truth (CCC 150). Joshua’s call to choose whom to serve reflects this personal aspect of faith, where each individual must decide to trust in God and follow Him. This decision is not made in isolation but within the context of the community of believers, much like the Church today.

St. Augustine, in his Confessions, speaks of the restlessness of the human heart until it rests in God. Joshua’s challenge to the Israelites to choose whom they will serve can be seen as a call to find true peace and fulfillment in God alone, rather than in the false gods of the surrounding cultures.

Historically, this passage reminds us of the Church’s continual need to reaffirm its commitment to God, especially during times of moral crisis or persecution. The Church Fathers, such as St. Ambrose, emphasized the importance of remaining steadfast in the face of cultural pressures and the danger of syncretism, which can dilute the purity of Christian faith.

Reflection

This passage from Joshua challenges us to reflect on the choices we make in our own lives. Have we truly chosen to serve the Lord in every aspect of our lives? In a world filled with competing values and distractions, Joshua’s call to “choose this day whom you will serve” is as relevant as ever. We are constantly faced with choices that either draw us closer to God or lead us away from Him. Are we willing to stand firm in our faith, even when it is counter-cultural or difficult? Joshua’s example inspires us to make a deliberate and conscious choice to serve the Lord, not just in word but in action, and to lead our households in the same commitment.

Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 34:2-3, 16-21

The Righteous Cry Out

The Responsorial Psalm for today, Psalm 34, is a beautiful hymn of thanksgiving attributed to King David. It is believed to have been composed after David feigned madness before Abimelech, who drove him away, and David escaped (1 Samuel 21:10-15). The psalm reflects David’s deep gratitude for God’s deliverance and his desire to share this experience with others.

Psalm 34 belongs to the category of wisdom literature and serves as both a personal testimony and a communal invitation to trust in God’s providence. The psalmist not only praises God for His goodness but also encourages others to join in this praise, highlighting the importance of communal worship. The psalm addresses the reality of human suffering and the assurance that God is close to those who are brokenhearted and crushed in spirit.

Psalm 34:2-3, 16-21 – New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition

² My soul makes its boast in the Lord;
    let the humble hear and be glad.
³ O magnify the Lord with me,
    and let us exalt his name together.
¹⁶ The face of the Lord is against evildoers,
    to cut off the remembrance of them from the earth.
¹⁷ When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears,
    and rescues them from all their troubles.
¹⁸ The Lord is near to the brokenhearted,
    and saves the crushed in spirit.
¹⁹ Many are the afflictions of the righteous,
    but the Lord rescues them from them all.
²⁰ He keeps all their bones;
    not one of them will be broken.
²¹ Evil brings death to the wicked,
    and those who hate the righteous will be condemned.

Detailed Exegesis

Verse 2: “My soul makes its boast in the Lord; let the humble hear and be glad.”

David begins by declaring that his soul boasts in the Lord. The idea of boasting here is not in a prideful or arrogant sense but in a deep sense of satisfaction and joy in the Lord’s goodness. David’s personal experience of God’s deliverance leads him to invite the “humble” —those who recognize their need for God—to share in this joy. This verse emphasizes the value of humility, which is a prerequisite for truly experiencing and appreciating God’s mercy.

Verse 3: “O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together.”

David’s invitation to “magnify the Lord” is a call to worship. To magnify means to make great, to extol, and to glorify. David is not content to praise God alone; he desires the entire community to join him in exalting God’s name.

This verse captures the essence of communal worship in the life of the believer. Worship is not just a private affair but a communal act where the faithful come together to acknowledge and celebrate God’s goodness. This communal aspect of worship is central to the life of the Church, where the faithful gather to participate in the liturgy and the sacraments.

Verse 16: “The face of the Lord is against evildoers, to cut off the remembrance of them from the earth.”

This verse introduces a note of divine justice. While the earlier verses focused on God’s mercy and deliverance, this verse reminds us that God is also just. The “face of the Lord” symbolizes God’s presence and attention. When it is “against evildoers,” it signifies God’s active opposition to evil. The phrase “to cut off the remembrance of them from the earth” indicates the total eradication of evil, not just in terms of punishment but in the sense of removing even the memory of wickedness. This verse serves as a warning to those who persist in evil and as a reassurance to the righteous that justice will ultimately prevail.

Verse 17: “When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears, and rescues them from all their troubles.”

This verse echoes the recurring theme in the Psalms of God’s attentiveness to the cries of the righteous. The “righteous” here refers to those who live in accordance with God’s will, who trust in Him and seek His guidance. The promise that the Lord “hears” and “rescues” is a source of great comfort. It assures us that God is not distant or indifferent to our struggles but is actively involved in delivering us from our troubles. This verse encourages us to turn to God in prayer, confident that He will respond to our needs.

Verse 18: “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted, and saves the crushed in spirit.”

This verse is one of the most comforting in the entire Psalter. It speaks directly to those who are suffering, those who are “brokenhearted” and “crushed in spirit.” The image of God being “near” to the brokenhearted conveys His compassion and closeness to those in pain. It assures us that in our darkest moments, God is with us, offering comfort and healing. This verse reflects the Christian understanding of God as a loving Father who is intimately involved in the lives of His children, especially in times of suffering.

Verse 19: “Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord rescues them from them all.”

The psalmist acknowledges that even the righteous are not immune to suffering. In fact, they may face “many” afflictions. However, the promise that “the Lord rescues them from them all” provides hope and reassurance. This verse reflects the Christian understanding of redemptive suffering, where the trials and tribulations of this life are seen as opportunities to grow in holiness and trust in God. It also points to the ultimate deliverance that God offers, not just in this life but in the life to come.

Verse 20: “He keeps all their bones; not one of them will be broken.”

This verse has been traditionally interpreted as a prophecy of Christ, whose bones were not broken during His crucifixion (John 19:36). In a broader sense, it symbolizes God’s protection over the righteous. The “bones” represent the physical body, and the promise that “not one of them will be broken” indicates that God’s care extends to the entirety of the person. This verse reassures us that God’s protection is comprehensive and that He watches over every aspect of our lives.

Verse 21: “Evil brings death to the wicked, and those who hate the righteous will be condemned.”

The final verse contrasts the fate of the wicked with that of the righteous. While the righteous are promised deliverance and protection, the wicked are warned of the consequences of their actions. “Evil brings death to the wicked” reflects the biblical principle that sin leads to death (Romans 6:23). The phrase “those who hate the righteous will be condemned” underscores the certainty of divine justice. This verse serves as both a warning to the wicked and a reassurance to the righteous that God’s justice will ultimately prevail.

Teachings and References

Psalm 34 beautifully encapsulates the Church’s teaching on divine providence. The Catechism (CCC 302) explains that God watches over His creation, providing for all its needs and guiding it towards its ultimate fulfillment. This psalm is a testament to that providential care, particularly in how God is close to the brokenhearted and delivers the righteous from their troubles.

St. Augustine, in his Expositions on the Psalms, emphasizes the communal nature of this psalm. He urges the faithful to join together in worship, recognizing that God’s deliverance is not just a personal experience but one that should be shared with the community. Augustine also highlights the importance of humility, noting that it is the humble who are able to truly hear and rejoice in God’s goodness.

This psalm has been a source of comfort and strength for Christians throughout the centuries, particularly during times of persecution or hardship. The Church has always upheld the belief that God is near to those who suffer and that He will ultimately deliver them from their afflictions.

Reflection

How often do we turn to God in our times of distress? This psalm invites us to bring our sorrows and burdens to the Lord, trusting that He is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit. It also challenges us to consider how we can support others in their suffering, joining together in prayer and worship. Can we make it a habit to praise God, not only in times of joy but also in our moments of pain? Let us take comfort in the promise that God hears our cries and rescues us from our troubles. This psalm encourages us to live a life of gratitude and trust in God, even in the face of adversity.

Second Reading – Ephesians 5:21-32

The Christian Household

The second reading from Ephesians 5 presents a profound teaching on the Christian household, specifically focusing on the relationship between husbands and wives. This passage is part of Paul’s broader exhortation on how Christians should live out their faith in everyday life. It introduces the concept of mutual submission, a radical idea in the context of the patriarchal society of the time, and connects it to the relationship between Christ and His Church.

The letter to the Ephesians was written to a community living in a city that was a major center of pagan worship, particularly the cult of Artemis. In this context, Paul’s instructions on Christian living were not just about personal morality but about creating a counter-cultural community that would bear witness to the transformative power of the Gospel. The cultural norms of the time dictated strict roles within the household, with the husband having almost absolute authority. Paul’s teaching, however, introduces a new paradigm, where love, respect, and mutual submission replace domination and power.

Ephesians 5:21-32 – New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition

The Christian Household
²¹ Be subject to one another out of reverence for Christ.
²² Wives, be subject to your husbands as you are to the Lord. ²³ For the husband is the head of the wife just as Christ is the head of the church, the body of which he is the Savior. ²⁴ Just as the church is subject to Christ, so also wives ought to be, in everything, to their husbands.
²⁵ Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, ²⁶ in order to make her holy by cleansing her with the washing of water by the word, ²⁷ so as to present the church to himself in splendor, without a spot or wrinkle or anything of the kind—yes, so that she may be holy and without blemish. ²⁸ In the same way, husbands should love their wives as they do their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. ²⁹ For no one ever hates his own body, but he nourishes and tenderly cares for it, just as Christ does for the church, ³⁰ because we are members of his body. ³¹ “For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.” ³² This is a great mystery, and I am applying it to Christ and the church.

Detailed Exegesis

Verse 21: “Be subject to one another out of reverence for Christ.”

This verse serves as the foundation for the entire passage. The call to “be subject to one another” introduces the principle of mutual submission, which is grounded in “reverence for Christ.” In the context of a patriarchal society, this teaching was revolutionary. It shifts the focus from hierarchical authority to a model of relationships based on mutual respect and love, where each person sees the other as a fellow member of the Body of Christ. This mutual submission is not about subjugation or loss of dignity; rather, it is a reflection of Christ’s humility and self-giving love.

Verses 22-24: “Wives, be subject to your husbands as you are to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife just as Christ is the head of the church, the body of which he is the Savior. Just as the church is subject to Christ, so also wives ought to be, in everything, to their husbands.”

These verses have been the subject of much debate and misunderstanding. It is important to read them in the context of the entire passage. The “submission” of wives to their husbands is likened to the Church’s submission to Christ. This submission is not about inferiority or blind obedience; it is about respect and love within the marital relationship. The analogy to Christ and the Church elevates the relationship to a spiritual level, where the husband’s role as “head” is one of service and sacrificial love, not of dominance. The Church submits to Christ not out of fear but out of love and trust, and this is the model for the marital relationship.

Verses 25-27: “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, in order to make her holy by cleansing her with the washing of water by the word, so as to present the church to himself in splendor, without a spot or wrinkle or anything of the kind—yes, so that she may be holy and without blemish.”

Paul’s command to husbands is even more demanding. Husbands are called to love their wives “just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.” This is a love that is self-sacrificing, self-giving, and entirely focused on the well-being of the other. The reference to Christ’s sacrifice and the Church’s holiness points to the sacramental nature of marriage, where the husband’s love is meant to lead his wife to holiness. The “washing of water by the word” is a reference to baptism, symbolizing the cleansing and sanctifying power of Christ’s love. This passage calls husbands to a high standard of love, one that reflects Christ’s total gift of Himself for the Church.

Verses 28-30: “In the same way, husbands should love their wives as they do their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. For no one ever hates his own body, but he nourishes and tenderly cares for it, just as Christ does for the church, because we are members of his body.”

These verses further expand on the concept of love within marriage. Husbands are called to love their wives as their own bodies, emphasizing the unity and intimacy of the marital relationship. The analogy to Christ and the Church continues, with the husband’s care for his wife likened to Christ’s care for His body, the Church. The idea that “he who loves his wife loves himself” reflects the biblical teaching that in marriage, the two become one flesh (Genesis 2:24). This unity means that caring for one’s spouse is not just an act of love for the other but also an act of self-love and self-care. This teaching challenges the notion of marriage as a power struggle, presenting it instead as a partnership of mutual love and respect.

Verse 31: “‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.’”

Paul quotes Genesis 2:24, reminding his readers of the original design for marriage. The “one flesh” union is both a physical and spiritual reality, signifying the total giving of oneself to the other. This verse underscores the permanence and exclusivity of marriage, where the bond between husband and wife takes precedence over all other relationships. The “leaving” of father and mother and the “joining” to one’s spouse represents a new beginning, where the couple forms a new family unit. This union is a reflection of God’s covenantal relationship with His people, marked by fidelity, love, and commitment.

Verse 32: “This is a great mystery, and I am applying it to Christ and the church.”

Paul reveals that the marital relationship is a “great mystery,” which in biblical terms refers to something that was previously hidden but is now revealed. This mystery is the union of Christ and the Church, which marriage is meant to reflect. The use of the word “mystery” elevates marriage to a sacramental level, where the love between husband and wife is a sign of God’s love for His people. This teaching challenges us to see marriage not just as a human institution but as a divine vocation, where the couple participates in the mystery of Christ’s love for the Church.

Teachings and References

The Catechism teaches that marriage is a covenant by which a man and a woman establish between themselves a partnership of the whole of life, ordered toward the good of the spouses and the procreation and education of offspring (CCC 1601). It also emphasizes that marriage is a sacrament, a sign of the union between Christ and the Church (CCC 1617).

St. John Chrysostom, in his homilies on Ephesians, writes extensively on this passage, highlighting the mutual love and respect that should characterize the Christian household. He emphasizes that the husband’s authority is not one of domination but of service and that the wife’s submission is a reflection of the Church’s loving obedience to Christ.

Historically, the Church has always upheld the sanctity of marriage, recognizing it as a vocation and a path to holiness. The writings of the Saints and Church Fathers consistently encourage couples to live out their marriage with the same love and sacrifice that Christ has for His Church. Marriage is seen as a means of grace, where the spouses help each other grow in holiness and prepare for eternal life.

Reflection

How do we view our relationships within our households? This passage challenges us to see our marriages, and indeed all our relationships, as opportunities to live out the love of Christ. Whether we are married or not, we are called to love others sacrificially, putting their needs above our own. How can we better reflect Christ’s love in our daily interactions? Let us strive to create homes where love, respect, and mutual care are the foundation, and where Christ is at the center of our relationships. This teaching calls us to a deeper understanding of marriage as a sacrament and a vocation, where we are called to reflect the love of Christ in our daily lives.

Holy Gospel – John 6:60-69

The Words of Eternal Life

The Gospel reading from John 6 presents one of the most challenging moments in Jesus’ ministry. After delivering His discourse on the Bread of Life, in which He teaches that His flesh and blood are true food and drink, many of His disciples struggle to accept this teaching. This passage captures the tension and division that results from Jesus’ words, as well as the profound affirmation of faith by Peter.

John 6 is a pivotal chapter in the Gospel, dealing with the mystery of the Eucharist. The cultural and religious background includes the Jewish understanding of manna, the bread from heaven that sustained the Israelites in the wilderness, and the sacrificial system of the Old Covenant, where animals were offered for the atonement of sins. Jesus’ teaching on the necessity of eating His flesh and drinking His blood is shocking to His listeners, who are unable to grasp the spiritual reality He is revealing. This passage challenges us to confront the mysteries of our faith and to make a choice: to follow Jesus, even when His teachings are difficult, or to turn away.

John 6:60-69 – New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition

The Words of Eternal Life
⁶⁰ When many of his disciples heard it, they said, “This teaching is difficult; who can accept it?” ⁶¹ But Jesus, being aware that his disciples were complaining about it, said to them, “Does this offend you? ⁶² Then what if you were to see the Son of Man ascending to where he was before? ⁶³ It is the spirit that gives life; the flesh is useless. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life. ⁶⁴ But among you there are some who do not believe.” For Jesus knew from the first who were the ones that did not believe, and who was the one that would betray him. ⁶⁵ And he said, “For this reason I have told you that no one can come to me unless it is granted by the Father.”
⁶⁶ Because of this many of his disciples turned back and no longer went about with him. ⁶⁷ So Jesus asked the twelve, “Do you also wish to go away?” ⁶⁸ Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom can we go? You have the words of eternal life. ⁶⁹ We have come to believe and know that you are the Holy One of God.”

Detailed Exegesis

Verse 60: “When many of his disciples heard it, they said, ‘This teaching is difficult; who can accept it?’”

The reaction of the disciples reveals the difficulty of accepting Jesus’ teaching on the Eucharist. For the Jewish audience, the idea of consuming flesh and blood was not only hard to understand but also deeply offensive, as it was contrary to the dietary laws of the Torah (Leviticus 17:10-14). This verse highlights the challenge of discipleship, where following Jesus means accepting teachings that may be difficult to comprehend or that challenge our preconceived notions. The question “who can accept it?” reflects the struggle that many believers face when confronted with the mysteries of faith.

Verse 61: “But Jesus, being aware that his disciples were complaining about it, said to them, ‘Does this offend you?’”

Jesus’ awareness of His disciples’ murmuring shows His deep understanding of human nature. His question, “Does this offend you?” is a challenge to the disciples to examine their hearts and their willingness to trust in Him. The Greek word for “offend” here is skandalizo, which means to cause to stumble or to be a stumbling block. Jesus is asking them if His teaching is a stumbling block for their faith and whether they are willing to move beyond their discomfort to embrace the truth He is revealing.

Verse 62: “Then what if you were to see the Son of Man ascending to where he was before?”

Jesus points to His ascension as an even greater mystery that will challenge their faith. The ascension refers to Jesus’ return to the Father after His resurrection, an event that would confirm His divine nature and authority. By mentioning the ascension, Jesus is inviting His disciples to think beyond the physical and to understand that His teachings, including those about the Eucharist, are rooted in His divine identity. This verse challenges us to recognize that the mysteries of our faith, including the Eucharist, are connected to the greater mystery of who Jesus is.

Verse 63: “It is the spirit that gives life; the flesh is useless. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life.”

This verse clarifies that Jesus is speaking of spiritual realities, not just physical ones. The “flesh” here refers to human understanding, which is limited and unable to grasp the full meaning of Jesus’ words. The “spirit” refers to the Holy Spirit, who gives life and enables us to understand the mysteries of faith. Jesus’ words are “spirit and life” because they reveal the truth about God and His plan for our salvation. This verse challenges us to move beyond a purely literal interpretation of Jesus’ words and to seek the deeper spiritual meaning that He is conveying.

Verse 64: “But among you there are some who do not believe.” For Jesus knew from the first who were the ones that did not believe, and who was the one that would betray him.

Jesus’ knowledge of His disciples’ hearts reveals His divine insight. This verse foreshadows the betrayal by Judas, but it also highlights the fact that true discipleship requires more than just following Jesus outwardly; it requires genuine faith. The mention of unbelief among His disciples serves as a warning that even those who are close to Jesus can struggle with doubt and disbelief. This verse challenges us to examine our own hearts and to ask whether we truly believe in the teachings of Jesus, especially those that are difficult to understand.

Verse 65: “And he said, ‘For this reason I have told you that no one can come to me unless it is granted by the Father.’”

Jesus reiterates the necessity of divine grace in coming to faith. Belief in Jesus is not just a human decision but a response to the Father’s initiative. This verse emphasizes the importance of grace in the journey of faith, reminding us that our ability to believe and follow Jesus is a gift from God. It challenges us to recognize our dependence on God’s grace and to remain humble in our faith, knowing that it is God who draws us to Himself.

Verse 66: “Because of this many of his disciples turned back and no longer went about with him.”

This verse captures the moment of decision. Many disciples find Jesus’ teaching too difficult and choose to abandon Him. This highlights the cost of discipleship—following Jesus requires a willingness to embrace difficult truths and to trust in Him, even when His teachings challenge our understanding or comfort. This verse serves as a sobering reminder that not everyone is willing to accept the demands of following Jesus, and it challenges us to consider our own commitment to Him.

Verse 67: “So Jesus asked the twelve, ‘Do you also wish to go away?’”

Jesus turns to the Twelve with a direct and personal question. This is a moment of decision for them as well. The question invites a response of faith, testing their commitment to Him. Jesus does not force anyone to follow Him; He respects their freedom and allows them to choose. This verse challenges us to consider our own response to Jesus. When faced with the difficult teachings of our faith, will we choose to stay with Him or to walk away?

Verse 68: “Simon Peter answered him, ‘Lord, to whom can we go? You have the words of eternal life.’”

Peter’s response is a profound declaration of faith. Despite the difficulties, he recognizes that Jesus alone has the words of eternal life. This verse expresses the heart of Christian faith—trusting in Jesus as the source of eternal life, even when His teachings are hard to understand. Peter’s question, “Lord, to whom can we go?” reflects the realization that there is no alternative to Jesus, that He alone is the way to eternal life. This verse challenges us to deepen our trust in Jesus and to remain faithful to Him, even when our faith is tested.

Verse 69: “We have come to believe and know that you are the Holy One of God.”

Peter’s affirmation of faith concludes this passage. The recognition of Jesus as the Holy One of God is a declaration of His divinity and the disciples’ commitment to follow Him, no matter the cost. This verse reflects the journey of faith, where belief is not just intellectual assent but a deep, personal conviction that Jesus is the Son of God and the Savior of the world. This verse challenges us to make our own declaration of faith, to acknowledge Jesus as the Holy One of God, and to commit ourselves to following Him with our whole hearts.

Teachings and References

The Catechism teaches that the Eucharist is “the source and summit of the Christian life” (CCC 1324). This passage in John 6 is foundational for the Church’s understanding of the Eucharist as the real presence of Christ. The Church believes that in the Eucharist, the bread and wine are truly transformed into the Body and Blood of Christ, even though the appearances of bread and wine remain. This mystery, known as transubstantiation, is a profound expression of Christ’s love for us and His desire to be intimately united with us.

St. Thomas Aquinas, in his writings on the Eucharist, reflects on the mystery of transubstantiation and the real presence of Christ in the sacrament. He teaches that the Eucharist is a true participation in the sacrifice of Christ, where we receive the very life of God. The Church Fathers, such as St. Cyril of Alexandria, also stressed the importance of faith in accepting the Eucharist. St. Cyril wrote that “the words of Christ, by the power of the Holy Spirit, are made life-giving, and in them, we receive the very life of God.”

Reflection

How do we respond to the difficult teachings of Jesus? This passage challenges us to confront the mysteries of our faith with trust and humility. Like the disciples, we may struggle to understand or accept certain teachings, but we are called to remain with Christ, trusting in His words. Can we echo Peter’s declaration, recognizing that only Jesus has the words of eternal life? This passage invites us to deepen our faith in the Eucharist and to seek a greater understanding of this profound mystery, trusting that Jesus is truly present to us in this sacrament. Let us commit ourselves to following Jesus, even when the path is difficult, knowing that He alone can lead us to eternal life.

Choosing to Serve: A Call to Commitment and Faith

In today’s readings, we are faced with the reality of choice—whether to serve the Lord or to turn away. Joshua challenges the Israelites to renew their covenant with God, just as we are called to reaffirm our commitment to Him today. The psalmist reminds us that God is near to those who are brokenhearted and that He delivers the righteous from their afflictions. Paul’s teaching on the Christian household urges us to reflect Christ’s love and sacrificial care within our families. Finally, Jesus’ discourse on the Bread of Life confronts us with the mystery of the Eucharist and the necessity of faith in following Him.

These readings remind us that faith is not a passive state but an active choice. We are called to choose the Lord each day, to renew our commitment to Him in our hearts, our homes, and our communities. Let us take these readings to heart and choose, each day, to serve the Lord with all that we are. May we find strength in the Eucharist, comfort in God’s providence, and inspiration in the example of Christ’s sacrificial love. As we go forth, let us ask ourselves: Are we willing to choose the Lord today, to serve Him with all our hearts, and to live out His love in our daily lives?

Engage with Us!

We invite you to share your thoughts and reflections in the comments below.

Reflection Questions

1. What does it mean for you to “choose this day whom you will serve”? How can you make this choice more intentional in your daily life?
2. How can you make space in your life to boast in the Lord and magnify His name? What are some practical ways to cultivate a spirit of gratitude and praise?
3. In what ways can your relationships better reflect the love and sacrifice that Christ has for the Church? How can you bring Christ’s love into your home and family life?
4. How do you respond when faced with difficult teachings in your faith? What steps can you take to deepen your understanding and trust in the mysteries of our faith?

Let’s journey together in faith, supporting and encouraging one another as we strive to serve the Lord..

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