Pro multis.
“This saying is hard; who can accept it?”
In today’s Gospel the disciples are seen murmuring, right before the Lord as he taught about His real presence in the Eucharist. Nothing has changed much has it? We all still murmur in front of Him, not just on blogs, but in our parish communities, our colleges, and other religious institutions. Jesus knows this, and he admits, “there are some of you who do not believe.”
Faith is a gift.
How many today persist in obstinate unbelief? How many today want to change, even twist Christ’s teaching to suit their personal lifestyle, their intellectual perception, their academic achievements, their individual pursuit of happiness and fulfillment? If these reject Christ’s teaching and walk away - as the disciples in today’s Gospel did, returning to their former life, or in attempts to create their own underground church (which is at least more honest), we shouldn’t be surprised. Jesus knows all about it, saying, “For this reason I have told you that no one can come to me unless it be granted him by my Father.”
“To whom shall we go?”
Many are the sayings of Jesus that are hard - seemingly impossible. Yet He assures us, “what is impossible for man, is possible for God.” Therefore we need to cling to Him through faith, in hope, surrendering ourselves to love. It is the Father who called us, nay, draws us to His Son, and we must cling to Him in love that he may free us, feed us, and bring us to eternal life.
“Are there many who will be saved?”
Jesus never directly answers that, nor does the Church. Although He cautions, “Strive to enter the narrow way…” while acknowledging that many do not, and as today’s Gospel reveals, “Jesus knew from the beginning the ones who would not believe.” Sadly, not everyone believes. Not everyone will be saved.
Let us pray for the conversion of heretics, schismatics, unbelievers, and sinners - as well as for our own perseverance.
