Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time

The Temptation to Walk Away

DO YOU ALSO WANT TO LEAVE?

Jesus, the path of missionary discipleship is as hard for us as it was for your first disciples. Like them, we get tempted to give up and walk away. Open our hearts as we listen to the reading today to help us see that you are the only real path and way to experience the joy that God intends for us.

When have you felt the urge to walk away from your faith community?What made you stay?

Young people who reject organized religion aren’t necessarily atheist, and many are seeking meaning in life

Meredith, who is in her early 20s and was raised a Southern Baptist, finds herself at a crossroads. Like many other people in their 20s, Meredith recognizes the tectonic shift happening in American religious practice. “Nones” like Meredith, who answer “no religion” or “nothing in particular” in surveys, are for the most part neither atheist nor agnostic. Nearly 60 percent of them are either “fairly certain” or “absolutely certain” that God exists, yet almost the same percentage believe that belonging to an organized religion is “not at all important.” 

For Catholics who don’t attend church, Pope Francis’s message of caring for those in need strikes a chord, even if they’re not religiously active. They understand that striving for social justice and helping others is a core part of living a meaningful life and finding joy. They instinctively want to “run in the direction of the world’s brokenness,” which is what the writer D.L. Mayfield describes as basically the desire to do missionary work. In today’s troubled world, both the “nones” and practicing Christians alike feel compelled to lend a hand where it’s needed most. What can they learn from each other in this common desire to do good?

(Checking in on ‘NONES’, Maryknoll Magazine, May, 2017)

Many of Jesus’ disciples who were listening said, “This saying is hard; who can accept it?” Since Jesus knew that his disciples were murmuring about this, he said to them, “Does this shock you? What if you were to see the Son of Man ascending to where he was before? It is the spirit that gives life, while the flesh is of no avail. The words I have spoken to you are Spirit and life. But there are some of you who do not believe.” Jesus knew from the beginning the ones who would not believe and the one who would betray him. And he said, “For this reason I have told you that no one can come to me unless it is granted him by my Father.”

As a result of this, many of his disciples returned to their former way of life and no longer accompanied him. Jesus then said to the Twelve, “Do you also want to leave?” Simon Peter answered him, “Master, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and are convinced that you are the Holy One of God.” Jn 6:60-69

The disciples were confronted with the difficulty of Jesus’ teaching and many even left him. The path of missionary discipleship also challenges us to live in a way that is countercultural and sometimes lonely. What do we cling to when we face these challenges? Peter responds, “You have the words of Eternal life.” Jesus reminds his disciples that his words are “Spirit and life.” When we face similar struggles, we realize there is no other place to go that will fulfill us. So we return to the authentic experience of faith that has gotten us this far. Like Peter, we hold on to the words of eternal life.

How do you handle the disillusionment you experience in your faith life and community? How are you being called to nourish yourself and others?

Reach out to someone who has had a negative experience of church and doesn’t feel welcome. Listen to their story, be really present to them, and offer them your empathy and support.

Gracious God, as we go on our mission, we carry your wisdom and grace within us. May the strength from our community sustain us through life’s trials. Grant us courage to hold fast to our faith amidst doubt and uncertainty. May we radiate hope and love to others, reflecting your divine presence. Guide our journey forward, ever mindful of your unwavering support.