To whom Lord shall we go?

The appointed Gospel reading for the Daily Prayer of the Church comes from John and it is part of the Bread of Life discourse:

 

When many of his disciples heard it, they said, ‘This teaching is difficult; who can accept it?’ But Jesus, being aware that his disciples were complaining about it, said to them, ‘Does this offend you? Then what if you were to see the Son of Man ascending to where he was before? It is the spirit that gives life; the flesh is useless. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life. But among you there are some who do not believe.’ For Jesus knew from the first who were the ones that did not believe, and who was the one that would betray him. And he said, ‘For this reason I have told you that no one can come to me unless it is granted by the Father.’

 

Because of this many of his disciples turned back and no longer went about with him. So Jesus asked the twelve, ‘Do you also wish to go away?’ Simon Peter answered him, ‘Lord, to whom can we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and know that you are the Holy One of God.’ (Jn. 6:60-69).

 

Jesus tells the people that he is the bread of life, and that they must eat of the flesh and drink his blood of they are to have life.  In response to that, many leave Jesus.  So, Jesus turns to his disciples and asks them if they will do the same.  Peter responds: “‘Lord, to whom can we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and know that you are the Holy One of God.” 

 

Yes indeed, to whom can we go?  Jesus not only has the words of eternal life, he is the source of sum of life itself.  Jesus is the climax of human history; at the moment of his Resurrection, the world was not only redeemed but recreated and in him we have a new life, a life without end.  So when you feel discouraged, sorrowful, dejected or unloved, remember that you are a new creation in Christ, and in him, you live, move and have your being, and that you are loved completely.

 

Let us pray: Almighty God, who through your only-begotten Son Jesus Christ overcame death and opened to us the gate of everlasting life: Grant that we, who celebrate with joy the day of the Lord's resurrection, may be raised from the death of sin by your life-giving Spirit; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

 

If you want to pray the Daily Office (the Daily Prayer of the Church around the world), you can do so easily by clicking on Today’s Prayer Service at http://www.missionstclare.com/english/

 

CALENDAR REMINDERS

 

Next Sunday is Blessing of the Backpacks at the 9 AM Eucharist.

 

Invite Someone to Church Sunday is on the 21st of September 2014.  Please invite someone to Church to experience the joy of the Good News.

 

The 6th Annual Art Show, “Let There Be Light,” will be from the 4th of October for 1 week.

 

Please remember everyone on our Prayer List.

 

Your servant in Christ,

 

Fr. Chester J. Makowski+

St. Augustine of Hippo Episcopal Church

Galveston, Texas 77550