Our gospel reading this weekend touches on choices, decisions, and commitments. Every day, each of us face an array of choices, most insignificant and trivial, but ultimately, the decisions we make, both big and small, define who we are as a person. Character can be defined as doing the right thing even when no one is watching. Our faith invites us to allow our faith to influence our character, our actions, and the decision we make, both big and small.
Over the past six weeks, we’ve heard in our gospel readings how people flocked to Jesus. They had witnessed him cure the sick, feed massive crowds with a few loaves and fish, love the poor and dying, and touch countless lives with their very own eyes. Yet when his words made them uncomfortable, they began to walk away. Despite everything they had experienced, they left because they couldn’t grasp the truth of his words.
Jesus invited people to live in the present, to be a source of healing, love and compassion for others, and to let the Bread of Life sustain them on their journey, especially in times of doubt and need. What Jesus is asking of us is to be people of character who are guided by the truth of the gospel and nourished on the Bread of Life, so that we can make a difference in the world, helping to build God’s kingdom in our own unique way.
The disciples were far from perfect, but Jesus saw their potential, as he sees ours. Like the disciples, we too are invited to follow, even when we struggle or fail to live up to our potential. The question Jesus asked the disciples “will you leave me too?” is also a question for us. When times are difficult, when our faith is challenged or questioned, will we walk away with the crowd, or will we proclaim the words of Peter “Lord to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.”
My friends, when we choose to follow Jesus, to trust his amazing love, we can find the strength to walk forward knowing that God will continue to lead us, to love us, and to fill us with peace and strength. As we confront doubt or challenges of faith, may each of us find the courage of Peter to respond: “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.”
May God bless you and your loved ones today, tomorrow, and forever more.