When many of his disciples heard it, they said, ‘This teaching is difficult; who can accept it?’ But Jesus, being aware that his disciples were complaining about it, said to them, ‘Does this offend you? Then what if you were to see the Son of Man ascending to where he was before? It is the spirit that gives life; the flesh is useless. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life. But among you there are some who do not believe.’ For Jesus knew from the first who were the ones that did not believe, and who was the one that would betray him. And he said, ‘For this reason I have told you that no one can come to me unless it is granted by the Father.’ Because of this many of his disciples turned back and no longer went about with him. So Jesus asked the twelve, ‘Do you also wish to go away?’ Simon Peter answered him, ‘Lord, to whom can we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and know that you are the Holy One of God.’ Jesus answered them, ‘Did I not choose you, the twelve? Yet one of you is a devil.’ He was speaking of Judas son of Simon Iscariot, for he, though one of the twelve, was going to betray him. John 6:60-71
Some who were following Jesus left abruptly after he told them, "Those who eat my flesh and drink my blood have eternal life, and I will raise them on the last day." Maybe they were expecting some sort of cannibalistic behavior, who knows. Whatever happened, this is a critical point in Jesus' earthly ministry. Many of us can relate. We have attended a church, followed a faith leader, only to find out they have gone off the deep end and expect us to follow. We find ourselves lost, not knowing which direction to go. At the outset of her time in Oz, Dorothy says, "Toto, I've a feeling we're not in Kansas anymore." We all get lost, dislocated and disillusioned, particularly with human faith leaders. Yet we are reminded by Peter, that we have come to believe that you are the one we should follow. Following Jesus is often a rough and challenging road, and some will try to lead us astray. Our journey and our home is in Jesus.
Magnificent Creator, who had your Son live among us
walking the dusty roads and sailing the rough seas
to lead us all to your way of love for all creation.
We are often troubled by the egos our religious leaders
they seem concerned for only money and attention
while the church suffers under their iron control.
Help us Lord, to follow you and you alone
so that others might not be led astray but find home
you, Lord, are our guide on the rough roads and our eternal home. Amen.
