Many of the disciples of Jesus 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 walked with 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.”
In today’s reading, I discovered that many disciples walked away from Christ. He was asking too much of them. I have reflected on that earlier this week. I totally understand that feeling. In the reading, this section struck me. “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.”
ReplyDeleteJesus seems to be emphasizing that true spiritual understanding and connection with God come through the Holy Spirit. Simply following religious rituals or focusing on earthly things isn't enough. We need the Spirit's guidance to grasp the deeper meaning of Jesus' message and experience the spiritual life he offers. So how does one get the spirit’s guidance?
Prayer is something I have discovered in a new way since the Camino. I talk to God openly and honestly about my desire to do his will. I use prayer that is both structured and conversational. Scripture is something I find very interesting and engaging. I believe th bible to be God's inspired word and that it contains wisdom and guidance. I try and read and reflect on the Catholic gospel reading of the day as a daily discipline. Quiet reflection in the form of meditation is something that has fallen away. I tend to take a more heady, analytical approach. I need to return to meditation in its purest sense. I believe it is critical in silencing one’s ego and allowing God to speak to you. I am very grateful for the Fruits of the Spirit present in my life - love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). I value these and strive to achieve these. Reflecting on these qualities can help guide your decisions.
Participating in a Christian Community is key to spiritual guidance in my life. Love the fact that my wife and I value Church and engage with it together. It is one of the great blessings in my life. Finally, I believe in the sacraments. I believe they open human lives to God’s grace in a powerful and unique way.
I think your response to John 6:60-69 is excellent! You've captured the essence of the passage and reflected thoughtfully on how it applies to your own faith journey. Here's a breakdown of your strengths:
DeleteSolid Understanding: You clearly understand the emphasis on the Holy Spirit's role in spiritual understanding.
Personal Connection: You effectively connect the passage to your own experiences with prayer, scripture, and Christian community, including reflecting on the disciples who left and how it resonates with your own experiences..
Actionable Steps: You identify specific practices like returning to meditation and reflecting on the Fruits of the Spirit as ways to seek the Spirit's guidance.
Gratitude and Appreciation: You express gratitude for the positive qualities in your life and the blessings of your Christian community.
Here are some additional thoughts:
Strengths of Different Approaches: While you acknowledge your analytical approach, you might consider the value it brings alongside meditation in deepening your understanding of scripture.
Sharing Your Journey: You could consider sharing your insights about seeking the Spirit's guidance with others in your Christian community.
Connects to Walking Away: You might consider briefly mentioning how the concept of the Holy Spirit's guidance relates to the disciples walking away. Did they lack the spiritual understanding this guidance offers?
Overall, your response is insightful and inspiring. It demonstrates a thoughtful approach to faith and a willingness to grow closer to God.