Sunday Gospel Comment

Sunday Gospel Comment

 

Alberic Jacovone OSB

Home Return to Articles and Reflections

YEAR B

TWENTY-FIRST SUNDAY OF THE YEAR - 24.8.03

Josh 24,1-2.15-18; Eph 5,21-32; Jn 6,60-69

Bread of Heaven: Incarnation & Eucharist

The Eucharistic Chapter 6 of John's Gospel closes in a sober mood: while Jesus is presented in total command, as he challenges the disciples of all time, that He, yes! Jesus of Nazareth is truly Son of God and Word-made-flesh; truly Passover Lamb and Bread-from-heaven; to be truly given for the life of the world, and to be given to us: to eat and drink, so we have life in abundance. At the same time, John makes us also aware that this conviction brings bewilderment and division in the human spirit of all believers: a hard word is this! (v60), how can a man give his flesh?(v52). Jesus stands as a stumbling block, leading to division and conflict between Christians and Synagogue people, as both were emerging from the Jewish war of 70AD. A likely tension is also felt by believers and unbelievers of all time. When John comments that many went away and no longer went about with Him (v66), he means the people at Jesusı time, but he also means the many in his community, who were still attached to the Synagogue, were outraged by such a teaching about Jesus and were leaving the Church. So, as the story ends, and as Jesus turns to the twelve putting to them the hard word: John puts to his community (and to us!) the same hard word. Do you also want to go away? (v67). To which he offers only Peter's answer: Lord, to whom shall we go? Peter on behalf of the twelve, humbly admits our human limitation. One becomes a disciple, not through information and human ingenuity, but humbly submitting to the power of the Spirit, as it draws us to the Father and invites us through the words of Jesus. His words of eternal life are the only criterion for our unconditional acceptance of Jesus as from God. John has reason to stress the fragility of human response: even among the twelve, there is a betrayer, the Iscariot. And Simon has a strong faith now, but he too will betray the Lord.
Linking Incarnation & Eu-charist
Eu-charist is an eu-word, meaning good grace; over the centuries it has acquired many nuances, from God's gracious love to Real Presence. As we have celebrated the Jubilee of the Incarnation of Our Lord and Saviour, John Paul II has invited all Christians to ponder on Incarnation and Eucharist, so as to celebrate the year as an intensely Eucharistic Year. In this, the Pope led the way: at the 47th International Eucharistic Congress in Rome, He set out a program: Bread for New life, (adopted in Australia by Wollongong Dioceses for its own Eucharistic Congress), and challenged all Christians to become intensely eucharistic people. And, at the World Youth Day in Rome, the Pope again brought together the Incarnation and Eucharist. It was by far the biggest event, as over two million enthusiastic young people from all over the world, listened to the Pope saying: Young people of every continent, do not be afraid to be saints of the New Millennium! Be contemplative, love prayer, be coherent with your faith and generous in serving your brothers and sisters, be active members of the Church and builders of peace Continue to listen to God's Word, draw strength from the sacraments especially Eucharist and Penance, be intrepid apostles of Christıs Gospel.

______________________________________