Dear Parishioners and Friends of St. Mary’s of the Lake:

The Gospel for this Sunday (our 21st SUN in the Ordinary Time) is the 5th in the SERIES OF 5 GOSPELS FOR 5 SUNDAYS IN A ROW ON THE BREAD OF LIFE. A quick review:

•   Four weeks ago, we heard of the miracle of the

  multiplication of 5 loaves and 2 fish to feed more than five thousand people, to show that Jesus had the Power to do the impossible!

•   After showing his Power, 3 weeks ago, Jesus began to teach about the Bread of Life, and said: “For the bread of God is that which comes down from Heaven and give life to the world.”

•   Two weeks ago, we heard Jesus repeat & emphasize that: "I am the Bread that comes down from Heaven.” The people murmured when hearing this saying!

•   Last week we heard that the murmuring led to an outright quarreling among the people, who said: "HOW CAN THIS MAN GIVE US HIS FLESH TO EAT?" Jesus only affirmed his teaching.

  This Sunday we heard that people went FROM QUARRELING TO DISBELIEF –They were shocked at what Jesus taught. Knowing full well the reaction from the people, and knowing full well what He wanted to teach. Jesus did not give in. He only stood his ground and said: "Does my teaching shock you?" Being truly shocked, many did chicken out. It could have been the right time for Jesus to become more ‘politically correct’ and

  told the people what they wanted to hear. Jesus could have said: ‘Wait a minute. Don’t leave me! What I said about my Flesh and Blood was only a symbolic way of saying. I need you. Stay with me, and be happy.’ No, Jesus did not say so. He was only stronger as He challenged: “And you: Do you want to leave me too?” Representing the 12, when the going got tough, the tough got going, Peter made his great proclamation: ‘Master, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and are convinced that you are the Holy One of God!’

  Isn’t it true that even nowadays, we may be tempted to believe what Jesus taught us about His Flesh and Blood is only to be taken in a symbolic sense? Even nowadays, we are tempted to chicken out saying: That sort of teaching is so hard, so odd, and so unreal. Sometimes we may be even shocked to hear of quite a high percentage of Catholics who do not believe in the Real Presence of Jesus in the Holy Eucharist. May the Grace of God strengthen us so that we can always be among those when the going gets tough, the tough get going. Along with the Church, we are reminded of our faith in the Real Presence (Body & Blood, Soul & Divinity of Jesus) in the Holy Eucharist.

Fr. Philip