Today, we gather to reflect on a profound and pivotal aspect of our spiritual journey—submitting ourselves to the words of Jesus, especially in those moments when His teachings seem difficult, incomprehensible, or even unappealing. Our readings today from Joshua, Ephesians, and the Gospel of Saint John invite us to engage with this theme, reminding us that our faith is ultimately a journey of trust.
In the First Reading, we witness Joshua standing before the people of Israel, challenging them to make a choice: whom will you serve? He recounts the mighty acts of God—God who liberated them from slavery in Egypt, guided them through trials, and brought them into the Promised Land. Israel responds, affirming their commitment to serve the Lord. This choice reflects a deep understanding of their relationship with God; they recall His faithfulness and the miracles they have witnessed.
But let's not overlook the courage that it took for Joshua, as well as the Israelites, to affirm their faith publicly. Choosing to follow God, particularly when it might lead to difficult paths, is a profound act of love and commitment—one that requires us to submit our own understanding and desires to His divine plan.
The reading from Ephesians echoes this theme of love and submission, specifically in the context of marriage. Husbands are called to love their wives as Christ loves the Church—a sacrificial love, a love that seeks to sanctify and nurture. These words remind us that submitting to one another in love requires humility and trust. It does not always come easily and can be downright challenging, particularly when we struggle to comprehend the implications of that love.
In the Gospel, however, we see a striking moment of clarity from Simon Peter. After many of Jesus' disciples turn away due to the difficulty of His teachings on the Eucharist and also on the nature of marriage, Jesus asks the Twelve if they also want to leave. Peter's response is powerful: "Master, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life." Here, we see an example of faith that transcends understanding. Simon Peter, reflecting our own struggles, chooses to cling to Jesus and the life-giving words He speaks, even in confusion or doubt.
Consider the experience of a climber scaling a challenging mountain. The path is often fraught with steep inclines, treacherous footing, and sections where the route is obscured by fog.
There are moments of distrust—when they question whether it's possible to reach the summit, whether their strength will hold out, or even whether the path should be abandoned altogether. Yet, it is often the guidance of a trusted instructor—someone who knows the mountain well—that provides the necessary encouragement to keep going.
In this metaphor, the mountain represents the obstacles and challenges we face in understanding and living out Christ’s teachings. The instructor symbolizes Christ Himself, and the Holy Spirit he sends us who guides the Church into all truth, whose grace serve as the guiding light that illuminates our path, even when shadows obscure our vision. We may not always see the top of the mountain, or understand every step we must take, but it is the trust in the guide that propels the climber forward.
In our own lives, when faced with Jesus' hard teachings, it can often feel like we are staring at an impenetrable fog. We may feel like turning back, questioning the goodness of God's plan, or even doubting His love. Yet, if we lean in, trusting in His wisdom and divine purpose, we discover that He leads us not just toward understanding, but toward a fuller experience of life itself—a life steeped in love, grace, and truth.
As we reflect on these readings today, let us respond to the Lord's call like the Israelites did, committed to serving God and embracing His words, even when they may be challenging to accept. Let us strive to love those around us as Christ has called us to love, submitting our hearts to His will.
May we be like Simon Peter, unyielding in our faith, knowing with certainty that only in Christ do we find the words of eternal life. Amen.
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