Going or Staying?

Gospel: John 6: 61-66

Disciples leave Jesus at this point.  They came across to the other shore to gain a deeper understanding of Jesus, but they went away to live as they had previously.  The implications of communion with Jesus for their own lives was more than they could accept.  It was fine to repent of their sins and accept baptism as they did with John the Baptist.  But Jesus is expecting us to live as he did - to be merciful to all, to heal others, deliver them from bondage, feed and nourish them, and yes to even lay down our life if need be.

Many of the disciples are perfectly fine with accepting a baptism ritual and even reciting a creedal formula of belief in Jesus.  But to accept baptism and to actually believe entails a new way of living, a way of living like Jesus did.  Once that realization hits people, many struggle and walk away from the faith commitment.  

This scene plays itself out in every time and place.  The challenge to live as Jesus did is ever before us, and we must decide whether to accept the challenge or not.  The statement of faith by Peter will be the statement of faith by Martha at Lazarus' tomb.  May this statement of faith be our daily commitment to live as Jesus did, to love as Jesus did.