By Stephen Langsianmunga M. csc
Readings: Acts 9:31-42; Jn 6:60-69
The first reading speaks of Peter performing healing miracles in Lydda and Joppa. Through his miracles, many believed in the risen Lord.
In the gospel, Peter pronounces his faith when asked by Jesus, “Do you want to go away as well?” “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life…you are the Holy one of God.” Peter is the central character in both the readings of today because the Holy Spirit was with him. There are differences of opinions among the disciples of Jesus. Some of them wish to remain with Jesus while others want to go away from him.
The twelve apostles clearly know that Jesus has eternal life but others, probably the multitude, have failed to see what they saw in him. This can happen even in our own lives. In fact, we often go away from the love of Christ. We only love him and pray to him when he meets all our wants and desires and when everything is fulfilled. But when our desires are not met, things did not go as per our plans, and when our prayers are not answered, we distance our life from him.
All of us are not compelled to follow Jesus, our response to his invitation to follow him depends on the choice of each person. To follow him demands a lot, we need to give up our very self and everything. It is not enough to be just a Christian, but to be faithful to him and follow his teachings in our actions of life. If we become so, we will be strengthened by the Holy Spirit and bring people closer to God as Peter did.