Communion

Being a follower of Jesus was not easy for everyone, according to John.

When many of his disciples heard it, they said, ‘This teaching is difficult; who can accept it?’ But Jesus, being aware that his disciples were complaining about it, said to them, ‘Does this offend you? Then what if you were to see the Son of Man ascending to where he was before? It is the spirit that gives life; the flesh is useless. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life. But among you there are some who do not believe.’ For Jesus knew from the first who were the ones that did not believe, and who was the one that would betray him. And he said, ‘For this reason I have told you that no one can come to me unless it is granted by the Father.’ Because of this many of his disciples turned back and no longer went about with him. So Jesus asked the twelve, ‘Do you also wish to go away?’ Simon Peter answered him, ‘Lord, to whom can we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and know that you are the Holy One of God.’ Jesus answered them, ‘Did I not choose you, the twelve? Yet one of you is a devil.’ He was speaking of Judas son of Simon Iscariot, for he, though one of the twelve, was going to betray him. -  John 6:60-71

What the people found difficult to understand was Jesus telling them they must eat his flesh and drink his blood to be saved.

We might find it difficult to understand as well, if we didn't have a substitute, the Holy Eucharist.

For many, the bread represents the body and the wine, the blood, but that representation is not the same for all.  Some believe the bread and wine are transformed into the body and blood of Christ through God's presence, while others see them as symbols.

So, what Jesus was telling Simon Peter is still true today.  Among you, there are some who do not believe.

It was an unusual demand he made of his followers, to consume his body and blood.  As a result, many thought the early Christians cannibals.

Peter's response pretty much sums it up for many Christians.  Where else would we go?

Once we have come to believe in Jesus, we do not want to turn away, even though our faith is hard to explain to others.  so, we find a way to accept what others may find odd.

And unlike Jesus, we don't talk about it.

More to come...