August 24, 2015
TWENTY-FIRST SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
AUGUST 22/23, 2015
Whenever we celebrate the renewal of marriage vows, usually after a significant number of years, we are not celebrating the honeymoon phase of the relationship. We are reflecting on the creation of a marriage that has weathered the ups and downs of real life through commitment, hard work, and the presence of God. The honeymoon phase quickly disappears in all relationships.
And I think that’s what is happening in today’s gospel reading. As we listen to the final Gospel in the Bread of Life series, the initial attraction and infatuation, the honeymoon phase, that many of Jesus early followers felt, has worn thin. The message that Jesus is the Bread of Life that came down from God to bring nourishment to God’s people, was too difficult for them to grasp or accept. And so, St. John tells us, many of them walked away.
Jesus is clearly disturbed by this and asks the remaining apostles if they too will walk away. Peter, the frequent spokesman, says “To whom would we go? We have come to believe that you have the words of eternal life.”
I think this gospel causes us all to remember that for most of us, the newness of that relationship with God wore off years ago. That staying power through the ups and downs of life have shown us the faithfulness of God. Even Joshua, in that first reading, reminds the people of God’s faithfulness to them through their history.
As we celebrate and give thanks to God today for His presence in our lives, may we join Peter is saying “Lord, to whom else could we go? You have the words of eternal life”!