Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: August 25, 2024

Date: 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time

Scripture Text:  John 6:60-69

Many of Jesus' disciples 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 accompanied 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 is the final portion of Jesus’ “Bread of Life” Discourse as well as the account of how it was received by the crowd and those following Him. Many who heard Jesus say that His body and His blood were to be eaten and drank so that the receiver could have life couldn’t accept Jesus’ teaching. They left Him. But the Twelve remained because they believed that Jesus was the Son of God.

Meditating on the text with personal questions:

Do I turn to Christ especially during my times of struggle? Do I believe in Him as my Savior and as the Son of the Living God?

Praying:

LORD, Almighty Father, You sent your only begotten Son to dwell among us as our brother and in our midst to reveal your unfailing love for us. You called upon Him to make the ultimate sacrifice, to give Himself as atonement for our sins even though He himself was innocent of sin. Your love for us physically present to us through Him continues to this day in His gift of self, in our Eucharist. Send your Spirit to illuminate our minds and tenderize our senses so that we might more fully absorb the truth of His sacrifice and His presence to us in His Body and His Blood. We ask this in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with You and the Spirit, one LORD, forever and ever. Amen.