Thoughts for the Day

When many of his disciples heard Jesus, they said, ‘This teaching is difficult; who can accept it?’ But Jesus, being aware that his disciples were complaining about it, said to them, ‘Does this offend you? ... It is the spirit that gives life; the flesh is useless. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life. But among you there are some who do not believe.’ For Jesus knew from the first who were the ones that did not believe, and who was the one that would betray him. And he said, ‘For this reason I have told you that no one can come to me unless it is granted by the Father.’

Because of this many of his disciples turned back and no longer went about with him. So Jesus asked the twelve, ‘Do you also wish to go away?’ Simon Peter answered him, ‘Lord, to whom can we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and know that you are the Holy One of God.’

(Lectionary, New Revised Standard Version)

Thoughts

Simon Peter's words are stunning in their simplicity. In this scene before the death of Jesus, in the house of Caiaphas, we know that Peter will hesitate and deny Jesus. But we also know this will make him stronger as he takes over the reins of the new Church after receiving the Holy Spirit at Pentecost.

There is nothing in life that is permanent, we all know that, even if we prefer not to think about it. There is no rock that will not shatter, no relationship that will not break, no person that will live for ever. Our world news gives us examples of this each day - of earthquakes, of shootings, of sickness, and of tragedies of all kinds. There is no reason why these may not happen to us.

But Peter says "Lord, to whom can we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and know that you are the Holy One of God." Despite Jesus voicing things which appear blasphemous, Peter sees and hears the hand and voice of God at work here. The only stable thing in our world is God!

Lord Jesus Christ,
whose servant Peter acknowledge You,
may we learn to have such simple faith,
and know that the only permanent
thing in life is our relationship with You.
May we not be scared of the present
or of the future,
but put all our trust in You,
who died and rose again for our sake.
Amen.