Turning Back

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

There are points in our lives where we make decisions, whether knowingly or not. We walk away, do not respond or pretend not to hear, yet we are making decisions all along. Jesus said hard things to his disciples, and many turned on their heels and fled. Some might have come back but we will never know. A few might have gone for air and come back while others never returned. The life of following Jesus is demanding, and we are called to follow not just when it's easy. These are hard times in which it is hard to choose between following Jesus or taking care and protecting ourselves. We are called to say yes, even in hard times.

Loving Creator, you brought us safely here

loving us in hard times and on glorious days

and you promise to be with us all the way.

We are called to follow you, yet we wander

distracted by the world's woes and our needs

slipping away when things get too hard.

Help us to strap on our boots and follow you

so that love can blossom in these desert times

and you love can be shared in the darkest places. Amen.