They Couldn't Take It

As a result of this, many of his disciples returned to their former way of life and no longer walked with 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. and are convinced  that you are the Holy One of God."

My reflection today is short and sweet.  Jesus has just told the people that they had to eat His flesh and drink His blood or they would not have life within them.  Many of those that had been walking with Him and were excited that here was the Messiah, the promised one of the ages.  Jesus was popular and his popularity was rowing.  Then He had to go and give the Bread of Life talk and he lost many of his followers.  They could not take it. Jesus wanted them to eat His flesh and drink His blood. They were sickened at the thought of this.  The word Jesus uses here is the word meaning to chew or gnaw and they cannot be understood in any other way.  His followers left and He did nothing to call them back.  He did not tell them it was a metaphor.  No, he let them go, saddened at their departure, to be sure, but he had no correction, no spin that he could put on His words that would make them any more palatable.  He turned to His Apostles and asked if they too would be leaving Him.  There was one of history's most important moment of silence and Peter confirms that they will stay, that they are convinced that He is the Holy One of God.

So, this week, when you enter the church, search out that red lamp gleaming near the tabernacle and remember what it means.  Then, instead of reading the bulletin or speaking your neighbor, spend a moment thanking Jesus for the gift of his Flesh and Blood, the spiritual food that our souls need and then just be present to Jesus in silence for a moment and prepare your heart for His entrance into it when you receive.

Remember the Poor Souls in Purgatory! 

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