For over a week we have been moving through the sixth chapter of John’s Gospel.  This chapter is pivotal in its revelation of the mystery of the Eucharist.

In yesterday’s reading, Jesus flat out declares his presence in the Eucharistic species.  In today’s reading, the disciples remark that Jesus’ words are a “hard saying.”  Jesus does not soften his words because he is looking for faith.  Faith is simply trusting when we do not understand.  The basis of faith is not belief in a mystery but belief in the person of Jesus.

We are faced with the same challenge as the disciples.  Theological mysteries have been revealed to us which we do not intellectually understand but which we accept because we trust the person of Jesus.  There may be circumstances and situations in our lives which we cannot understand and for which trust in Jesus is also necessary.  Just as Jesus was moving the disciples to another level of faith, so we may also be invited to progress in faith.  Do we trust that Jesus will take us to that level?

Jesus’ query of the disciples about staying or leaving also applies to us.  Peter speaks for all of us, “Lord, to whom shall we go?  You have the words of eternal life.”  We have chosen to stay because Jesus gives ultimate meaning to our lives.