Our Gospel passage brings about the conclusion of our time spent with John chapter 6 and what is known as the Bread of Life Discourse. I believe that there are three verses which sum up the spiritual life which deserve our further reflection.
Firstly, “This saying is hard; who can accept it.” This is a reminder that comes to us concerning what was begun at the moment of our baptism. Here we were entrusted with the life of faith in order that it may be lived and not squandered. At times the faith can be difficult for us to embrace because it is leading us towards an encounter with truth and thus holiness. Despite any hardship associated to the life of faith we must continue to move forward through the assistance of God’s grace.
Secondly, “As a result of this, many of his disciples returned to their former way of life and no longer accompanied him.” In the spiritual life we are given freewill. This means that we have the power to choose. When trials and temptations give rise within our life we have the opportunity to embrace the faith or to compromise it. We must remain on guard in order that we may stay upon the right path instead of getting lost in the many twists and turns of a path which lead us away from God.
Lastly, “Master, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.” These words found upon the lips of Saint Peter professes faith in Christ and looks outward towards eternal life. As we trudge about this life we to must form our will in order that we may have faith and desire eternal life. Therefore, we are to remain on guard against the assaults of the evil one by remaining steadfast in our faith. It is impossible to get to this stage if we do not wish to embrace a relationship with God. This relationship ought to be pursued and thus integrated into who we are as a human person created in the image and likeness of God.
The spiritual life should be something that concerns all of us. There will come times of difficulty or doubt, but this does not mean that we should abandon the faith. If we have wondered away from the life of faith we need to reorient ourself to that which is most important in our life. Through our prayer and study of faith we are to come to know God and to place our trust in Him.
Thus through the sacramental life of the Church we are able to look outward towards eternal life.
As we come to be nourished by the Eucharist let us find our refuge in the Lord for there no other place where we will find our refuge.
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