Jos 24:1-2a, 15-17, 18b
Eph 5:21-32 or 5:2a, 25-32
Jn 6:60-69

Choices

The readings for Sunday remind us of the importance of making good choices. In the Gospel, many of those who followed Jesus turn away because they find his teachings too hard to understand or accept.

As a result of this, many of his disciples returned to their former way of life and no longer accompanied him. Jesus then said to the Twelve, “Do you also want to leave?” Simon Peter answered him, “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.”

Peter reaffirms his faith in Jesus. He makes a choice to believe that Jesus is the Holy One of God.

The readings for Sunday help us understand the importance of choosing to follow God and living out our faith in daily life. They remind us that commitment to God brings us inner strength and the ability to make choices to be the women and men God created us to be.

Each of us must make our own decision about who Jesus is for us and then choose the way of life that we will follow. God invites us to be Jesus’ disciples, but we must respond to the grace of God and commit to our own belief that Jesus is the one from God for us.

Following Jesus is not always easy. Jesus shows us “the way and truth and the life.” He helps us  understand how we should live. This is our choice. This is not a choice we make once, but rather, one we make each day of our lives. Choosing to be a disciple of Jesus helps us to make other choices, good choices on a daily basis. 

Think about the choices you make daily. Is seeking material things your motivation? Are you choosy about who you interact with or choose for friends? Does race, religion or sexual orientation color your choices?  Do you choose to deepen your spiritual life or do you fritter away your time on frivolous things? Taking time for prayer and deep, personal and honest reflection can help us discover our true motivations and choices. Make the choice to be honest with yourself and your motivations and then make the changes necessary to commit to live as a real disciple of Jesus.

What really motivates you to live your life the way you do?

With honest self-reflection have you found anything that needs to change to be a disciple of Jesus?