Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: May 10, 2025

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 is the conclusion of Jesus’ “Bread of Life Discourse” as recorded in the Gospel of John. In today’s text, many reject Jesus’ teaching that He is “the bread of life” and leave. But when He asked the twelve if they, too, would leave, Peter spoke for them all assuring Jesus that they wanted to stay because Jesus had “the words of eternal life” and because they had come to believe He was the Messiah, the Holy One of God.

Meditating on the text with personal questions:

Do I sometimes want to turn away from Christ because His saying, His teaching are “too hard” and difficult to accept?

Praying:

LORD, Jesus Christ, Son of God, our Savior, help us as we strive to take in fully not only your teachings but also the Good News of your death and resurrection for our salvation. Send your Spirit to make our minds more receptive to your truth and our hearts more open to your love. Grant that we may pick up own crosses and follow You as your disciples. Amen.