Notwithstanding the centrality of the Eucharist in John 6, one may also read this whole discourse as a call to discipleship. In fact, at the end of the long narrative, we are told how many of the disciples of Jesus murmur and complain:

“This saying is hard” (v 60). In the end, many decide to stop following him. Of course, the Twelve (Apostles) still choose to stay with him, but even from their ranks, there will be someone who will “depart” and ultimately betray Jesus (Jn 13:30; 18:2-3).

Taking the whole chapter 6 of John, we see that the weight falls on the question of faith and trust in Jesus. Putting our faith in him means trusting him up to the very end, that is, choosing to remain with him whatever it may cost. This is the real challenge of discipleship.

As his followers, we may not understand all that he is saying, but he is asking us to believe, to “risk” all that we have and are, to put our lives in his hands. Let us then ask the Spirit to give us the courage to abide with Jesus no matter how hard the going gets.

Gospel • John 6:60-69

Many of the disciples of Jesus who were listening said, “This saying is hard; who can accept it?” Since Jesus knew that his disciples were murmuring about this, he said to them, “Does this shock you?

What if you were to see the Son of Man ascending to where he was before? It is the Spirit that gives life, while the flesh is of no avail. The words I have spoken to you are Spirit and life. But there are some of you who do not believe.” Jesus knew from the beginning the ones who would not believe and the one who would betray him.

And he said, “For this reason I have told you that no one can come to me unless it is granted him by my Father.” As a result of this, many of his disciples returned to their former way of life and no longer walked with him.

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.”