Memorial of Saint Athanasius, bishop and doctor of the Church

Today's Mass Readings

“As a result of this, many disciples returned to their former life and no longer walked with him” (John 6:66). Jesus’ revelation of Himself as the Bread of Life, the one whose flesh we must eat and whose blood we must drink to gain eternal life, was not easy to swallow (no pun intended). Indeed it separated the deeply committed disciples from those who were on board only insofar as Jesus’ teaching seemed acceptable. This particular teaching shocked the latter group (John 6:61) and they returned to their former life. In response to their shock, Jesus remarks His words are “Spirit and life” (John 6:63). Jesus’ remark drives us to the heart of the issue here. The disciples who leave are not necessarily dumb – on the surface it is a really strange teaching, but they cannot accept that the Spirit of God is alive in Jesus. They want to understand completely now. They don’t. So they leave. On the other hand, we have the Twelve. The Twelve have not been portrayed throughout John’s gospel as the brightest pennies in the roll. They often misunderstand. Yet, they do not make their immediate comprehension the measure of their discipleship. In some of the most beautiful words in the entire gospel, Peter speaks for the lot, “Master, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life” (John 60:68). They may not understand, but they see the Spirit of God in Jesus; they have faith so that they might understand.

As we have seen throughout the Acts of the Apostles, the apostles are changed people. The Apostolic Church is emblazoned with the Holy Spirit that they received at Pentecost, the same Spirit that they recognized in Jesus. They have come to understand. In Jesus’ name, they are now performing some of the same wondrous works that Jesus Himself had performed during His ministry. In today’s first reading, we see the apex of these miracles – Peter raises Tabitha from the dead.

We are challenged from so many angles to rely only upon our 5 senses for our knowledge. “Show me!” “Where’s the proof?” “Give me the results!” Yet, we can see a different emphasis in today’s readings. If we demand complete understanding immediately, we might as well “return to our former life,” leaving Jesus behind for the apparent security of our five senses. Yet we learn from the Twelve that Jesus has the words of everlasting life and His Spirit lives on in the Church. In His Spirit, we can become instruments of Christ through whom He can accomplish great work. And we will come to greater understanding. Indeed, the Church understands Jesus’ Bread of Life discourse as thoroughly Eucharistic, that is of promising His presence with the Church throughout the ages.

- Tim Gabrielli