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Friday, April 23, 2021

Saturday of the 3rd Week of Easter: Reflection by Rev Fr Julian O Ekeh


WILL YOU ALSO GO AWAY?

(John 6:60-69)

Jesus trusts that having left us a memorial of His Passion that we shall cling to Him, savour the sweetness of His taste, relish His presence and enjoy His abundant blessings.

But unfortunately, the men walked away from Him. He gives the gift of Himself to them but they want ordinary bread instead. He gives His Spirit and wholeness but men desire to be satisfied bodily. Thus, He says: ' It is the Spirit that gives life, the flesh is of no avail'.

What are the things that drive people away from God? What are the reasons that keep you away from coming close to Jesus to hear His word and appreciate Him in the Sacraments? Why have you chosen death instead of life? Jesus says today that His word is life and Spirit.  Do not go away from Him. It breaks His heart.

It breaks the heart of Christ that You go your way without attending the Holy Mass. It breaks the Heart of Christ that you walk away from the Church without receiving the Holy Communion. It gives Christ so much worry that your conscience doesn't prick you to go for confession after that sin. You just walk away. It bothers Christ so much that we also seem to have the attitude of walking away. Why should you walk away from your bed and from your room without seeking the face of God in prayers? Why do you walk about empty, in the flesh without paying attention to the voice of the Spirit?

Jesus asks you today to consider the walkaway you indulge in. Don't walk away from that holy relationship. Will you walk away from that marriage and the demands of your vocation? Will you walk away from that home you have built together with your spouse? Are you walking away from the Catholic Church that nurtured your faith from infancy?  Have you moved on with your life without Christ? Are you walking away from the virtues you are known for?

If all should walk away from God, from the merciful love of Christ, from the Holy of Holies, from the tabernacle of the Most High, from the invitations of Christ: "Come to me", Jesus expects that You and I should remain with Him. He wants us to beware that without Him, we can do nothing.

Let us like Peter today turn to Jesus with the reassuring conviction and repeat these words: "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the message of eternal life".

LET US PRAY

Lord God, we have no place to run to. We pray for the grace not to walk away from you again. Help us to always receive you in the Holy Eucharist. Help us to cling to Your word and appreciate Your teachings and inspirations.  Help us not to walk away from our responsibilities and our covenant with You. Bless us by Your word and Holy presence and keep us ever faithful all the days of our life through Christ our Lord. Amen

God bless your Saturday (Easter, Week 3)

Rev Fr Julian O Ekeh 

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