21st Sunday in Ordinary Time (Cycle B) – August 22, 2021 UH Catholic Newman Center – Mass for beginning the fall semester 2021 Joshua 24:1-2a, 15-17, 18b / Psalm 34 / Eph 5:21-32 or 5:2a, 25-32 / John 6: 60-69
Years ago, while a seminarian, I remember helping with the First Communion preparation in a parish. In one gathering, we read verses 55-56 of chapter six of the Gospel according to St. John, when Jesus states: “For my flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink.Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me and I in him.” Upon hearing those words, a little 2nd grader in the class cried out, “Ugh, I don’t like that!”
The catechist was startled by such a response and thought the young student was denying key aspects of the faith. However, the pastor recognized that the girl was truly listening and pondering and struggling with the meaning of the message that Jesus boldly proclaims.
That young student went on to be quite knowledgeable and interested in the teachings of Jesus as she progressed towards receiving him in the Eucharist.
The words of Jesus which alarmed the 2nd grader come right before today’s reading and form the backdrop. It appears that most of the people present, including would-be disciples of Jesus, found the same message to be difficult to accept.
Their own words which we hear today reveal the obstinance of their hearts: “This saying is hard; who can accept it?” (John 6: 60b).Sadly, they turned away, while the apostles, especially Simon Peter, remained with the Lord.
Throughout this sixth chapter of John, which we have been listening to and reading the last several Sundays, Jesus has laid out central aspects of himself and his mission and how he longs to nourish and unite us as his brothers and sisters. He doesn’t speak in a theoretical manner; his way of nourishing his followers is quite physical and personal.
The breakthrough for that young girl and the twelve apostles and other disciples who stuck with Jesus occurred when they realized that the Lord was not just there to give a teaching, but to offer himself.
Even though his message is bold, Jesus does not mean to shock or dissuade anyone but seeks to teach us his very human manner of being our sustenance. He doesn’t just give us an idea to feed upon, he gives us himself for that purpose. For him, being our sustenance is the means of union and the way such a relationship with him is to be made real and true.
Jesus makes it clear that to believe in and follow him, and more important to love him, are not just intellectual exercises but all about an intimate relationship that can begin in the mind but must endure in flesh and blood.
Recognizing his flesh as true food and his blood as true drink and the willingness to partake of him might be overwhelming or, for some, difficult to accept. Are we willing and able to appreciate the depth of commitment signified by such an intimate sharing sealed in flesh and blood – all the way to the cross? If someone wishes to give all to us, even to the point of laying down his or her life for us, do we accept and respond gratefully to such an oblation or turn away indifferently?
The resistance to Jesus and rejection of him are not just to what he says or teaches, but to what he offers. Christ offers his very self, his very life, his very body and blood. Why? Why would Jesus bother offering to us what is most dear to himself? Have you ever thought that it is because he really loves you? Have you ever considered that he really longs to be close to you and in union with you, with us and with humanity?
All of this takes us into the mind and heart of Christ. No matter what the response or reaction of others might be, he can only give and give the best of himself. The Lord does not love half-heartedly, but fully and generously. While he gives freely, he does not do so in a haphazard manner. He does so with clear purpose: to give us life.
It is all about the self-gift of Jesus and our willingness to receive him. The same gift as before; the same Jesus. His offer never expires, his mercy never ceases. We mean that much to him.
I say it often and I repeat it here, “In Christ there are no end times or endings, only new beginnings.” In Christ, new opportunities to love and be loved, new opportunities to strive for new goals, new possibilities to live in him.
A new academic year is getting started; after so many months of pandemic and uncertainty, everything can seem like a new beginning. Our patron saint, Saint John Henry Cardinal Newman wrote, “Fear not that thy life shall come to an end, but rather fear that it shall never have a beginning.”
Christ’s Body and Blood, the gift of himself, the Eucharist, our nourishment: Eternal, yet ever new. Don’t be afraid to love him and be loved by him, to receive him and receive true nourishment. Don’t be afraid to live and to serve and bring others to the Lord.
Simon Peter and other disciples found salvation because they stuck with Christ. That was all possible because the Lord had first given himself to them and they said yes. Christ longs to be with us and give himself to us.
Have the courage, have the faith to respond to him with open arms, an open mind and an open heart. Christ gives, be ready to receive. Have the courage, have the faith to make a new beginning, “Through him, with and in him.”