Lord, to Whom Can We Go?

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 days, it's easy to know who you are and where you are going. Other times, it's not so easy. Some simple change in our lives can cause a radical change in perspective, and we can feel lost or forgotten. Last month we were in Baltimore for General Convention. We had lived there many years and it felt like home. Then we turned a corner, in what had been familiar, and we felt lost and confused. Some buildings and streets had been changed so everything became unfamiliar. We had to get back to a familiar place. Peter reminds us that at those times when we feel lost or want to run away, Jesus is right ere with us and we have all we need.

Precious Creator, who calls us your children

we wander away in arrogance and distracted

yet you remain steadfast as the world changes

you are our solid rock and our sure foundation.

Help us to remember to whom we truly belong

give us the humility to call on you when lost

make us strong to face the rough roads ahead

knowing you are with us and you feed our souls. Amen.