To Whom Shall We Go?

Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time

22 August 2021 

 

First Reading: JOS 24:1-2a, 15-17, 18b

Responsorial Psalm: PS 34:2-3, 16-17, 18-19, 20-21

Second Reading: EPH 5:21-32 or 5:2a, 25-32

Gospel: JN 6:60-69

 

Reflection

By: Gary Tulabut

 

This is not an exaggeration. But in the last two weeks, I always wake up every morning with sad news either someone tested positive of CoVid, is seriously ill, or worst, has passed away. My social media feed is occupied by photos of candles or prayer requests.

Then we hear reports of corruption here and there as revealed by the Commission on Audit.

And here comes what's happening in Afghanistan. (Let us pray for the people of Afghanistan).

Oh, and as I write this article, we just recorded an all-time high in new CoVid cases just as the latest Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) is being downgraded to, oh don't know all the NECQs (Never Ending Community Quarantines).

I have a confession to make. Since the pandemic started, I haven't been 100% consistent in attending Mass, even if it's just virtual.

It's a shame but I have been busy with many other online spiritual activities such as serving in the online Feast (our prayer meeting); editing videos of my co-leaders at the Feast for our daily online "Faith O' clock Habit"; making my own videos for this "Faith O' clock Habit"; making bulletins for our prayer meeting; attending a Bible study every Thursday; updating my Facebook page every day with the latest videos of my favorite lay preachers and homilist priests; joining community pantries; attending a caring group; and holding another Feast online with my business colleagues.

Every Sunday, I have always intended to attend Mass. But because of these "busy-ness", I just get too exhausted that instead of hearing Mass, the most I could do with my remaining energy for the day is listen to the Word Exposed by Cardinal Chito Tagle.

In the passages immediately preceding this Sunday's Gospel reading, Jesus emphasized the importance of the Eucharist, declaring, He is the bread of life. (John 6:26-58)

And in today's Gospel, the disciples could not understand what they just heard about Jesus' declaration. They could not accept His declaration and many of them turned back and stopped follllowing Him.

I do not fully understand what is happening in the world right now. Maybe all those busy-ness are just my way to divert my attention from all these negativities.

But St. Peter's reply to Jesus when He asked the twelve, if they, too, wanted to leave Him is a wake up call.

Peter said to Jesus, "Lord, to whom shall we go?" (John 6:68)

Good thing I have already prioritized and blocked a Mass schedule every Sunday even before this realization. If you haven't yet, see how Jesus reiterated The Eucahrist's importance in John 6:26-28 even though many of us could not yet accept Him sacramentally.

Prayer

 

Lord, embrace us as we go to these difficult times. You are our refuge. You are our fortress. Amen.