Twenty-first Sunday of Ordinary Time

Jn. 6: 60 – 69 The Words of Eternal Life

Background

It seems clear that the setting of this passage has changed. The crowd has been replaced by the disciples, some of whom react as the crowd did. What might help is to remember that
John was composed around 100 AD and the “disciples” could also be referring to disciples in his community. It is also important to note that the Twelve is an important symbolic group at the time of Jesus; taken as a whole, they representated a new Israel, a new Twelve Tribes. As the gospel spread, however, they lost that symbolism. Words matter but need to be understood in their context and that context changes over time.

Another immensely symbolic term is “Son of Man.” Many scholars think that it is the one term that Jesus most indentifed himself with. I will leave it to your imagination to picture its meaning in the context of this passage.

One tell tale sign of John’s authorship is his emphasis on Jesus’ knowledge, “… [he] knew from the beginning the ones who would not believe and the one who would betray him.”
He also most frequently refers to Peter, addressing him as Simon Peter. Even in English the world view of John can be more clearly recognized.

But the real symbolic meaning in this passage is contained in the Peter’s response,  “Master, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.” These words of Peter’s have echoed down the centuries for no one has spoken as he did and he spoke not only in words, but deeds as well, and ultimately in every fiber of his life given up, poured out for the sake of the world.  Not easy words, though; not ones that we grasp clearly or grasp only too clearly and when grasped, lived.

Our Questions

I have listed the characters below. What role do the disciples play in this passage? What role, Simon Peter? And, of course, Jesus? I’ve indicated somewhat the when of this passage, at least from its composition timeframe. In the passage itself, the passage seems to relate more to the themes in Jn. 6: 35 – 50, as the notes maintain.  But, as I have insisted in almost every post, the real when, is the when of our life, both at a personal, communal, and historical level. What light does this passage shine on the full range of concrete events that fill those levels in our life? What, finally, is the plot, theme, purpose of this passage.

Our Characters

1. The crowd has been replaced by the disciples – referenced as many, some do not believe, one betrays, and many return to their former way of life
2. Jesus who then seems to refer to himself as “Son of Man” and later is referred to as Master.
3. My Father
4. The Twelve – Simon Peter is named and seems to be referenced as one of the Twelve

My refrain:
Before we read though, let’s quiet ourselves, remember whatever we can from the background, our questions, and, most importantly, pay attention to what happens
inside of us as we read.

The Reading

60 Then many of his disciples who were listening said, “This saying is hard; who can accept it?”
61 Since Jesus knew that his disciples were murmuring about this, he said to them, “Does this shock you?
62 What if you were to see the Son of Man ascending to where he was before?
63 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.
64 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.
65 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.”
66 As a result of this, many [of] his disciples returned to their former way of life and no longer accompanied him.
67 Jesus then said to the Twelve, “Do you also want to leave?”
68 Simon Peter answered him, “Master, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.

Your responses, questions, and / or comments are welcomed. You can add them by clicking on the comment link at the end of this post.

This entry was posted in Culture, Scripture and tagged , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *