The question posed in this morning’s Gospel is one that every generation of believers must confront: will you also go away?
Some have indeed left our Church. Many of us know someone, perhaps even a family member, who has left. Some have gone quietly and privately, while others have drifted away or found Jesus’ message too difficult. Others find the message compelling, but cannot tolerate the Church’s leadership. Some have simply moved to other churches.
However, many of us have responded to Jesus’ question with Peter’s words, “To whom shall we go?” Despite its flaws, this is the Church where we have encountered God. The reasons we stay are varied—perhaps the Church’s spirituality, prayers, and sacramental life, especially the Eucharist.
The reasons we stay are sometimes hard to articulate. I could provide philosophical and theological reasons, but also personal stories of people who make me proud to belong to this Church.
One such person is Archbishop Oscar Romero. Initially a quiet and traditional cleric, he began speaking out against injustice and corruption in El Salvador. Compelled by the Gospel, he stood with the people despite the risks, ultimately becoming a martyr when he was assassinated while celebrating Mass.
People did not always accept Jesus’ teachings. In today’s Gospel, after feeding five thousand people, Jesus speaks of the Eucharist, offering His Body and Blood for eternal life. Many found this teaching difficult and began to leave. Jesus asked the twelve disciples, “Will you also leave me?”
Jesus never considered changing His message to make it more acceptable. He offered more than visible miracles; He offered the Bread of Life. Jesus was not interested in popularity, but in offering true, eternal nourishment.
Jesus taught love for enemies and reaching out to those marginalized by society. The Church must echo Jesus’ words and deeds, which can be challenging for those resistant to change. There is often tension in striving to become the new creation of Christ.
The twelve apostles were confused by Jesus’ teachings about the Bread of Life. However, their commitment to Christ held them together, and they eventually understood through the experience of the Last Supper.
Christ unites us despite our differences. He forgives, teaches, corrects, and challenges us. His teachings are not always easy, but He feeds us with His Body and Blood so that we, as members of His Body, can reach out to others. We do this because, like Peter, we believe: “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.”
Thank you Father Bob for all your sermons. They are always meaningful to me and I certainly listen to them every week.