We all are familiar with many scripture passages; early on we are asked to remember passages and store them away so that they can aid us in life.
Most of us are familiar with Psalm 23, "The Lord is my shepherd."
Most of us have been bullied with John 3:16 "God so loved the world that he gave his only son so that who ever believes in him might have eternal life."
Many of us are familiar with the scripture passage Lk 22:42 where Jesus says, "let this cup pass from, but let it be your will not mine."
Or we are familiar with the words of Jesus to the repentant thief, "this day you will be with me in paradise," as a response to the thief's words, "Remember me when you come into your kingdom" which can be found in Lk 23:42-43.
Many of us are familiar with Psalm 27, "The Lord is my light and my salvation."
or Psalm 139, "I am fearfully and wonderfully made."
How many of us are familiar with John 6:66? It is an important passage for all of us to remember. It comes up into day's gospel.
What is John 6:66?
"As a result of this, many of his disciples returned to their former way of life and no longer accompanied him."
When the stakes get higher the group gets smaller!
Jesus follows this scripture passage with a question of his own, "do you also want to leave?"
The issue at hand is an issue of faith.
It is said that 90% of Americans believe in God, yet only 20% go tot church on sunday. Believe and faith are not the same. One can believe and not have faith.
Believe in God is a safe bet; where you can continue to live as you desire and not have God interfere with your life choices.
Faith, however, involves trust that God is not only with us but for us. Trust that God is actively involved in our world and life and he demands that we become actively involved as well. Faith entails a conviction, drawing the line in the sand and standing fast. Faith involves a risk of vulnerability to the stares and laughs of the world. Faith involves love, to receive the love offered and to love in return.
The one who believes acknowledges that this is a "hard saying; who can accept it?"
While the one who has faith responds, "Master, to whom shall we go? You have the words of everlasting life. we have come to believe and are convinced that you are the Holy One of God."
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