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SUNDAY’S GOSPEL—August 26, 2018 – 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time

SUNDAY’S GOSPEL—August 26, 2018 – 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time

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John 6:60–69

“Many of his disciples returned to their former way and no longer accompanied him.” –John 6:66

Imagine walking out on Jesus. After a heyday of signs, miracles, and proclamations, something he says is so shocking that you count yourself out. You go home, shake the dust off your sandals, and return to business as usual. So much for the dream of a better kingdom!

Yet how many of us do exactly this? This discipleship stuff requires time, attention, study, and prayer. It invites us into relationships, service, responsibility, and commitment. It demands, over time, that we’re transformed into new people entirely: the kind who forgive wrongs, aid the poor, welcome the stranger, love our enemies.

At what point will we decide that following Jesus is asking too much and return to a way of life that’s easier and leaves more for us? Attending synagogue on Saturdays was more convenient than traipsing around Galilee and having every assumption and value reexamined. Religion is easy. Discipleship is overwhelming. Do we draw the line between the two and remain on the safe side?

When did being faithful become more than going to church for you?

How far are you willing to take this journey with Jesus?

LET US PRAY…

Lord, you give us the gift of Eucharist to remind us of the goodness of shared bread and the thirst we all have for justice and peace. Create in us a desire to be generous with those who are in need. Let us serve you in our sisters and brothers, always seeking your face in the faces of the poor. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

While The Gospel at Home takes a break in the summer months, we’ll be drawing our weekly reflections from Exploring the Sunday Readings.

 

Image credit: Distant Shores Media/Sweet Publishing [CC BY-SA 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons

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