What is difficult about living as a Christian? Though it is easy for me to rattle off characteristics that are part of a life of faith, living them out can be quite a challenge. Loving a neighbor. Praying for our enemy. Forgiving when we’ve been wronged. Being generous. Living out compassion. Striving for justice. They all sound great and admirable, but when it comes down to it, in the context of daily relationships and the pain and messiness of the world, these beautiful ideas are often hard to live out.
Jesus is wrapping up a long conversation about the Bread of Life and following in this week’s gospel. He talks about his followers eating and drinking his body and blood – a startling image that was never literally part of following Jesus. Through the years, theologians and everyday Christians have unpacked Jesus’ words in the context of his other teachings (and actions) and realized that he was talking about the importance of deeply embracing (consuming) his priorities and living them out.
We aren’t so shocked by Jesus’ words about eating and drinking because we have come to understand Jesus is talking about consuming his values and priorities, making them part of us. We see Holy Communion as part of what Jesus invites us to. Nevertheless, we all do find it difficult to follow Jesus. There are times we are all irritated by family or friends. Judgment is a lot easier to find some days than compassion. We don’t always feel generous. Sometimes we’ve been hurt and are not ready to forgive. Justice can seem like an impossible dream.
Many of the people who were following Jesus in today’s reading couldn’t continue following. This leads Jesus to ask the closest followers if they also want to leave. Peter responds, “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.” As difficult as following Jesus can be, Jesus’ priorities lead to transformation and to fullness of life. Living in ways of love and compassion and forgiveness and generosity and justice changes us and changes the world we live in. Following Jesus brings a depth and hope to life. Following Jesus brings the kind of transformation that brings new life.
Peace,
Alicia
weekly prayer | Jesus talks about consuming his priorities in John 6