There is a significant development in this final installment from chapter six of St John's Gospel. Recent weeks relate how the Jews were murmuring and then disputing among themselves as Jesus revealed the full implications of his messianic identity. Their response to his saying "I am the Bread of Life" was to exclaim: "Is this not Jesus, the son of Joseph..." (Jn 6: 41). The disciples now complain, in response to Jesus telling them that "For my flesh is real food and my blood is real drink" by saying: " 'This teaching is difficult; who can accept it?' " (Jn 6: 60) Indeed, who can accept it? If we are dealing solely with the spoken word that would be the case. However, Jesus has shown us with the signs manifested in the rest of the Gospel that his deeds are wondrous and his word is true. He is inviting us to faith. Peter replies, speaking for the Twelve and all subsequent Christians: " 'Lord, to whom can we go? You have the word of eternal life, We have come to believe and know, that you are the Holy One of God'." (Jn 6: 69) Can I make this profession of faith my own? Or am I going to complain as the disciples did?
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