May 2

by David Lins  |  05/02/2020  |  (Being) Catholic Matters

Today’s Readings: ACTS 9:31-42 PS 116:12-17 JN 6:60-69

People like to attach meaning to the numbers (chapter and verse) of specific Scripture readings. This is folly as the chapters and verses of the New Testament were attached many years later.

But they help us remember. Today’s Gospel is a perfect example of this.

In many circles, the number 666 is the number associated with the devil. Why would I ever mention such a thing?

As a Catholic, you should remember John 6:66 as it is the very verse where the devil had his way and convinced many of Jesus’ disciples to no longer follow him. Why? Because Jesus just taught his disciples about the Eucharist and many chose not to believe.

In verse 60, they say, “This saying is hard; who can accept it?”

In verse 66, “As a result of this, many of his disciples returned to their former way of life and no longer walked with him.”

As a Catholic, what comes next should be just as important.

Verses 67-69 conclude, “Jesus then said to the Twelve, “Do you also want to leave?” Simon Peter answered him, “Master, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and are convinced that you are the Holy One of God.”

When others leave Jesus because the Eucharistic teaching of John 6 is too much for them, it is none other than our first pope who speaks for those who remain by Jesus’ side. How beautiful, indeed!

(By the way, for an absolutely brilliant defense of what we believe in regards to John 6, please spend some time with https://www.catholic.com/magazine/print-edition/refuting-john-6-for-catholics.)

 

David is the Director of Faith Formation at Our Lady of Joy. If you have comments or questions, send your emails to dlins@oloj.org.

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