Twenty-First Sunday in Ordinary Time

“For this reason I have told you that no one can come to me unless it is granted him by my Father.” As a result of this, many of his disciples returned to their former way of life and no longer accompanied him.

When Jesus challenges his followers to partake in his Body and Blood, many of them leave him because his teaching is “too hard.” Indeed, following Christ is “too hard” for us to do on our own. This is why God has given us the example of the life of Jesus, the graces that follow from the passion and death of Christ, and the institution of the Church. These three things show us the way, the truth, and the life that are necessary for us to be true members of the Body and Blood of Christ. Those followers who left Jesus could not see the graces which he was offering them, but we, through the gospel, know that everything is possible in God if we are willing to trust in him and allow him to work through us in all things. So let us come to the Lord and accompany him along whatever Way he leads us, live our lives in accord with his Life, and uphold the Truth in all that we think, say, and do.

What is keeping us from wholeheartedly accepting the graces that flow from the Eucharist? How can we do a better job of not only preparing for, but receiving the Blessed Sacrament in a spirit of total surrender to God’s will? Are we ready to follow Jesus upon his Way so that we might live the Christ-like life and spread the Truth to all God’s children?

O Lord, we come to you for you have the words of everlasting life.

Amen.