Eastertide Day 21 Saturday May 10 2025
John 6: 60-69 On hearing it, many of his disciples said, “This is a hard teaching. Who can accept it?”
61 Aware that his disciples were grumbling about this, Jesus said to them, “Does this offend you? 62 Then what if you see the Son of Man ascend to where he was before! 63 The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you—they are full of the Spirit and life. 64 Yet there are some of you who do not believe.” For Jesus had known from the beginning which of them did not believe and who would betray him. 65 He went on to say, “This is why I told you that no one can come to me unless the Father has enabled them.”
66 From this time many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed him.
67 “You do not want to leave too, do you?” Jesus asked the Twelve.
68 Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. 69 We have come to believe and to know that you are the Holy One of God.”
In this passage, many of Jesus’ followers struggle to accept His teaching on the Bread of Life. They find His words difficult, even offensive, and many choose to no longer walk with Him. Jesus then turns to the Twelve and asks, “Do you also want to leave?” Peter responds with a profound declaration of faith: “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and to know that you are the Holy One of God.”
This moment challenges us to reflect on our own willingness to trust Jesus, even when His teachings are hard to understand or when following Him requires sacrifice. Like Peter, we are invited to cling to the truth that Jesus alone offers eternal life. In times of doubt or difficulty, we can echo Peter’s words and renew our commitment to trust in the Lord.
As we continue through Eastertide, we are reminded that Jesus’ resurrection is the ultimate affirmation of His promise of eternal life. Let us hold fast to this hope, even when the journey of faith feels challenging.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, You have the words of eternal life. When Your teachings challenge me or when my faith wavers, give me the grace to trust in You. Help me to see that there is no one else to whom I can turn, for You alone are the Holy One of God. Strengthen my belief and deepen my love for You. May I follow You faithfully all the days of my life, trusting in Your promise of eternal life. Amen.