REFLECTION

Gospel

Many of Jesus’ disciples who were listening said, “This saying is hard; who can accept it?” Since Jesus knew that his disciples were murmuring about this, he said to them, “Does this shock you? What if you were to see the Son of Man ascending to where he was before? It is the spirit that gives life, while the flesh is of no avail. The words I have spoken to you are Spirit and life. But there are some of you who do not believe.” Jesus knew from the beginning the ones who would not believe and the one who would betray him. And he said, “For this reason I have told you that no one can come to me unless it is granted to him by my Father.” As a result of this, many of his disciples returned to their former way of life and no longer accompanied him. Jesus then said to the Twelve, “Do you also want to leave?”  Simon Peter answered him, “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.”

John 6:60-69

Reflection

We need the gifts of ‘spirit and life’ else we will be like those disciples who no longer went about with Jesus. He was there in front of them but they could not recognise who he really was. We must not think that only some people are given the gift of faith: no, the Spirit is poured out on everyone, and Jesus’ abiding desire is to give everyone life to the full. Lord, draw me close to you, and be spirit and life for me.