Joshua 24:1-2a, 15-17, 18b Ephesians 5:21-32 John 6:60-69
“Many of his disciples returned to their former way of life and no longer accompanied him. “
In today's gospel we see the cost of the good news. The way of life that Jesus preached and modeled asked too much for some of his hearers. Forgive others as God has forgiven you? Turn the other cheek? Blessed are the meek and the peacemakers and those who hunger and thirst for justice? For some of his disciples this was all too hard. And this most recent invitation to share his very life, his body and blood, was a deal-breaker.
We face the same challenge today. In a world where loud voices tell us that getting as much money and keeping as much power as possible are appropriate goals for life, Christian living is for suckers and losers.
Jesus didn't die a comfortable death relaxing in a lawn chair in a gated community. He died hanging on a cross because the way he lived and taught others to live challenged civil and religious authority. He was judged a criminal.
And how about us? You and me? If Christianity was a crime, would there be enough evidence to convict us?
Think about it this week.
I'm sure I will.
by: Pat Schnee
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