25.Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B

After Vatican II, our generation was blessed to rediscover the significance of the Holy Mass and the Eucharist. For many of us, attending church is no longer mere habit, and receiving Holy Communion is a natural part of our faith. Yet, this familiarity can lead to complacency. Let us guard against thoughtlessness and distraction when approaching the Lord’s table, instead making each reception a fresh act of faith and a deliberate decision for Christ. (This message is from Llama-3.0 70B. We apologize, but our Llama-3.1 quota for today has been reached due to high demand. Please try again tomorrow. Thank you for your understanding!)

Tough talk?

We have just heard: Then many of his disciples left him and walked no more with him. As if it were written about today’s times! Many are still registered in the church registers, but in reality they have already left Jesus. Sometimes letters come to parish offices saying: “I request that you remove me from your church.” Note: “From your” – not “from my church.” At baptism, we became a son or daughter of God. It can be “written out”. A note about this request can be put there. I know, they take it that way, that they have found another church. But that’s what the first reading says. Joshua exclaims Well, I and my house, we will serve the Lord. That is, to the true and living God.

Even if one rejects God, they still rely on His gifts – the ability to write and reason. Can someone who renounces faith truly claim they never believed? Genuine faith cannot be lost; it’s an unwavering conviction. It’s like trying to disown one’s parents – a mother will always be a mother, and her role in giving life cannot be denied. Jesus doesn’t force anyone to stay; instead, He offers the gift of faith, His help, and Himself. (This message is from Llama-3.0 70B. We apologize, but our Llama-3.1 quota for today has been reached due to high demand. Please try again tomorrow. Thank you for your understanding!)

Even with flesh and blood. Some disciples left, it was a hard speech for them! But among those around Jesus there were also those who did not want to live according to Jesus, but remained in the church (in communion with him): That is how the Judases begin to grow, who will sell anyone to achieve their own. Jesus says dryly about them: It would be better if they were not born. The third group around Jesus is represented by Peter. Not that they reject Jesus, but they don’t understand him. Undoubtedly, most of us belong to that group. The first group is not here – they left, they will not come to the church. Let’s hope neither the second one! Is it so? These are those who remain in the Church, but they criticize it as if it is not theirs, they do not realize that they are also the Church.

The Lord Jesus poses a question to us today: Do you also want to leave me? Fortunately, the Gospel offers us consolation through Peter’s response. Instead of dismissing the question, Peter asks, “Lord, to whom shall we go?” He acknowledges the ambiguities and doubts that come with following Christ, especially in today’s complex world. We, too, face uncertainties and are often skeptical, questioning the truth of advertisements, the healthiness of products, and the objectivity of reports. We even doubt the sincerity of friendships, love, and loyalty. Yet, like Peter, we must learn to navigate these doubts and remain faithful to Christ, listening to his voice and seeking clarity and firmness in our relationship with him. Peter, not Judas, should be our role model as we strive to stay committed to Christ despite our uncertainties.

A seminary professor from Olomouc shared a captivating story about a theologian who struggled with his vocation and faith. Despite consulting a spiritual advisor and discussing his doubts with friends, he remained uncertain and decided to leave. However, before departing, he wrote a poignant message on his trunk in chalk: “Sir, to whom should we go? You have the words of eternal life.” This phrase reflects the theologian’s realization that even in times of struggle, faith can bring joy that no one can take away.

To follow Jesus, we must learn to ask ourselves: What would he do in this situation? What would he say? What aligns with his love? By studying the Holy Scriptures and reflecting on life’s events, we can emulate Jesus’ example. Today, let us remember to seek Jesus’ voice in every situation and follow him honestly.