The WORD in Other Words by Fr Felmar Fiel SVD (Philippines)
Saturday 3rd Week of Easter
Acts 9:31-42, John 6:60-69
I cannot help but be amazed at the wonderful things the Lord has done for me. I am no longer the same from the time I was new in SVD formation. I have grown in knowledge, wisdom, skills, and talents — very far from the person that God called for the first time. But one thing remains — the faithfulness of God. God never changes.
Today‘s gospel is the conclusion to the Bread of Life discourse of Jesus. Those who heard Him speak about eating his flesh and drinking his blood found it so morbid, so gross, ” This saying is hard; who can accept it?”
The twelve apostles were confronted with a choice to follow Him or not. When all else chose to back out, the apostles chose to stay! Peter‘s response to Jesus can be ours too, “Master, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.” He confessed his faith in Christ.
Of course, we know now that he did not really understand everything he said for eventually he also betrayed Jesus three times. However, we also know that the Risen Christ asked him, “Peter, do you love me?” and he answered, “Lord, you know that I love you.” (John 21:17)
Following Christ is not without obstacles. Discouragements, tensions, disillusionment may also affect us every now and then, but these difficulties are not meant to make us give up. They are avenues for greater faith. After all, to whom shall we really go? Only Jesus has the words of eternal life.
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