August 26, 2018

Gospel: Jn 6:60-69
After hearing this, many of Jesus’ followers said, “This language is very hard! Who can accept it?” Jesus was aware that his disciples were murmuring about this, and so he said to them, “Does this offend you? Then how will you react when you see the Son of Man ascending to where he was before? It is the spirit that gives life, not the flesh. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and they are life. But among you there are some who do not believe.” From the beginning, Jesus knew who would betray him. So he added, “As I have told you, no one can come to me unless it is granted by the Father.” After this many disciples withdrew and no longer followed him. Jesus asked the Twelve, “Will you also go away?” Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We now believe and know that you are the Holy One of God.”

Lectio Divina
Read: Joshua declares his loyalty and commitment to Yahweh and Israelites follow suit. The relationship between husband and wife must be similar in dynamics to the one between Christ and the Church, marked with loyalty and commitment. Several disciples of Jesus could not digest the teachings of Christ and hence, left him.
Reflect: The modern Church suffers from the cafeteria approach of some of its members – picking and choosing what suits their palate and discarding the rest when it comes to Church teachings or scriptural injunctions. One such example is today’s second reading on the relationship between husband and wife: The subordination that Paul seems to imply seems difficult and unacceptable in the modern often skewed understanding of equality. There are parishes that altogether discard this reading whenever it comes around. But if all scripture is inspired by God, there must be some wisdom in that passage, and the key to interpreting it is Christ – what Paul means is a relationship like that of Christ and his Church, one that is ensouled by love, tenderness, and commitment. Who wouldn’t want a similar relationship?
Pray: Make a prayer for married couples for their relationship to be defined by loving commitment and tender care.
Act: If you are married, spend some quality time with your spouse today. If you are not, reach out and appreciate a couple who models Christ-Church relationships.

© Copyright Bible Diary 2018