Gospel 

Jn 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."

Sermon

My brothers and sisters in Christ, today's Gospel passage presents us with a critical moment in the ministry of Jesus. Many of His disciples are struggling to accept His teachings, saying, "This saying is hard; who can accept it?" Jesus knows their thoughts and responds by emphasizing the spiritual nature of His message.

He says, "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 despite this clarification, many disciples choose to leave Him, unable to accept the challenges of His teachings.

However, the Twelve Apostles, led by Simon Peter, make a bold declaration of faith: "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."

This passage teaches us that:

- Following Jesus requires a willingness to accept His challenging teachings

- The spiritual nature of Jesus' message is what gives us life

- Not everyone will accept Jesus' teachings, but those who do will find eternal life

- Faith in Jesus is a choice, and it requires commitment and perseverance

As we reflect on this passage, let us ask ourselves:

- Are we willing to accept the challenging teachings of Jesus?

- Do we recognize the spiritual nature of His message and its power to give us life?

- Are we committed to following Jesus, even when the journey gets difficult?

- Do we, like Simon Peter, believe that Jesus has the words of eternal life?

May we, like the Twelve Apostles, choose to stay with Jesus, even when the road ahead seems uncertain. May we find the courage to accept His teachings and follow Him to eternal life.

Prayer

Let us pray: + In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Almighty, merciful and loving God,

We thank you for the words of eternal life that Jesus speaks to us. Help us to accept His challenging teachings and to recognize the spiritual nature of His message.

Give us the courage to follow Jesus, even when the journey gets difficult. May we be willing to accept the challenges of His teachings and to find life in His words.

We pray for the commitment and perseverance to stay with Jesus, even when the road ahead seems uncertain. May we, like Simon Peter, declare our faith and say, "Master, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life."

Help us to believe and be convinced that Jesus is the Holy One of God. May His words be our guide and our strength as we journey through life.

We pray for those who are struggling to accept Jesus' teachings. May they find the courage to follow Him and to find eternal life in His words.

In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.

Additional prayer points:

- Ask for the willingness to accept Jesus' challenging teachings

- Pray for recognition of the spiritual nature of Jesus' message

- Ask for commitment and perseverance to follow Jesus

- Pray for the courage to declare our faith in Jesus

- Pray for those who are struggling to accept Jesus' teachings.

+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you,

Rev. Fr. Jhimerson Maneclang,SCJ