Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: April 20, 2024

Date:   Saturday of the 3rd Week of Easter

Scripture Text:  John 6:60-69

Many of the disciples of Jesus who were listening said, "This saying is hard; who can accept it?" Since Jesus knew that his disciples were murmuring about this, he said to them, "Does this shock you? What if you were to see the Son of Man ascending to where he was before? It is the Spirit that gives life, while the flesh is of no avail. The words I have spoken to you are Spirit and life. But there are some of you who do not believe." Jesus knew from the beginning the ones who would not believe and the one who would betray him. And he said, "For this reason I have told you that no one can come to me unless it is granted him by my Father."

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."

Breaking the text open – background and summary:

The gospel reading for today finishes out John’s recounting of Jesus’ “Bread of Life Discourse” and related texts. Jesus’ statement that He is the Bread of Life and that we must eat his body and drink his blood was a hard saying for many, truly, who were following Jesus. They couldn’t wrap their heads around it; they couldn’t see into the mystery He presented to them. And so, unable to embrace Jesus’ words, they left. But the 12 whom Jesus had chosen as disciples remained. And Jesus questioned them as to whether they wanted to stay or leave. Peter’s words captured their decision. They would stay because they had seen the power of Jesus’ words and works and were becoming believers that He was “the Holy One of God.”

Meditating on the text with personal questions:

How deeply does my faith run? Am I able to accept Jesus’ harder teachings? Or do I simply keep the ones I like and dismiss the ones I find troubling?

Praying:

LORD,  Almighty Father, Beloved Son, Most Holy Spirit, we come to You this day full of wonder and awe during this holiest of times, the Easter Season. With sorrow, we acknowledge our sinfulness that necessitated Good Friday. With great joy, we celebrate the transformative love that brought Easter. We pray that we might grow into the daughters and sons You created us to be, the disciples You call us to be, your living temples here on earth. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.