you refuse to believe, even when you have seen. Yet all those whom the Father gives me will
come to me, and whoever comes to me, I shall not turn away. For I have come from heaven,
not to do my own will, but the will of the One who sent me. And the will of him who sent me is
that I lose nothing of what he has given me, but instead that I raise it up on the last day. This
is the will of the Father, that whoever sees the Son and believes in him shall live eternal life;
and I will raise him up on the last day.”
Reflect
The first reading today presents the contrast faced by the early Church. On the one hand, the
early Christians faced hostility and persecution from those who saw them as a threat to the
religious and political order. On the other hand, the disciples preached the Gospel fearlessly,
bringing many people to Christ and offering healing to those who were afflicted.
Despite the difficulties they faced, these Christians were strengthened by the promise in today’s
Gospel. The knew and trusted that Jesus would lose none of those that the Father had
given him. Though they might face earthly trials and even death, ultimately, they would be
gathered to the Father to share in eternal life. We too share in this promise as we share in the
Body and Blood of Jesus Christ. Eucharist is the precious gift of our loving
God, food to strengthen us for the journey and our pledge of future glory.
© Copyright Bible Diary 2023