Contemplating today's Gospel
Today's Gospel + homily (in 300 words)
Now in Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (which translated is Dorcas). She was completely occupied with good deeds and almsgiving. Now during those days she fell sick and died, so after washing her, they laid her out in a room upstairs. Since Lydda was near Joppa, the disciples, hearing that Peter was there, sent two men to him with the request: «Please come to us without delay». So Peter got up and went with them. When he arrived, they took him to the room upstairs where all the widows came to him weeping and showing him the tunics and cloaks that Dorcas had made while she was with them. Peter sent them all out and knelt down and prayed. Then he turned to her body and said, «Tabitha, rise up». She opened her eyes, saw Peter, and sat up. He gave her his hand and raised her up, and when he had called the holy ones and the widows, he presented her alive. This became known all over Joppa, and many came to believe in the Lord.
My vows to the Lord I will pay in the presence of all his people. Precious in the eyes of the Lord is the death of his faithful ones.
O Lord, I am your servant; I am your servant, the son of your handmaid; you have loosed my bonds. To you will I offer sacrifice of thanksgiving, and I will call upon the name of the Lord.
As a result of this, many of his disciples returned to their former way of life and no longer walked with him. Jesus then said to the Twelve, “Do you also want to leave?” Simon Peter answered him, “Master, 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.”
“You have the words of eternal life”
Fr. Jordi PASCUAL i Bancells (Salt, Girona, Spain)Today, we have just read in the Gospel Jesus' speech about the Bread of Life, which is Himself, offering us His body as nourishment for our souls and for our Christian life. And, as it usually happens, we have to contemplate two different —if not opposite— reactions, from those who are listening to Him.
His language is too hard for some, too incomprehensible for their mentality, closed to the Lord's saving Word; St. John says, somewhat sadly, that “As a result of this, many of his disciples returned to their former way of life and no longer walked with him” (Jn 6:66). It is the same evangelist who gives us a clue to help us understand the attitude of these persons: they would not believe, they would not be willing to accept Jesus' teachings, which were, so often, inexplicable for them.
But, on the other hand, we can see the Apostles' reaction, led by St. Peter: “Master, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe” (Jn 6:68-69). It is not that the twelve are smarter, or even better, nor do they understand the Bible any better; but they are indeed more modest, more trusting, more open to the Holy Spirit, more docile. Every now and then, we can spot them in the Gospels when making mistakes, unable to understand Jesus, arguing over who is more important and even daring to correct the Master when He announces to them His Passion; but they are always faithful, by His side. Their secret: they truly loved Him.
Saint Augustine expresses it this way: “Good habits leave no trace in our soul, but good loves does... Truly, this is all love is about: to obey and believe whom you love.” In the light of this Gospel we may wonder: where have I placed my love? What faith and what obedience do I have for the Lord and for what the Church teaches? What kind of docility, simplicity and trust do I live with regards to God's things?
Thoughts on Today's Gospel
“Eucharistic Bread, medicine of immortality, antidote to death.” (Saint Ignatius of Antioch)
“‘Will you also go away?’. This disturbing provocation resounds in our hearts and expects a personal answer from each one.” (Benedict XVI)
“The first announcement of the Eucharist divided the disciples, just as the announcement of the Passion scandalized them (...). The Eucharist and the Cross are stumbling blocks (...). ‘Will you also go away?’ (Jn 6:67). The Lord's question echoes through the ages, as a loving invitation to discover that only he has ‘the words of eternal life’ (Jn 6:68).” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, Nº 1336)
