IKAW, IIWAN MO DIN BA SI KRISTO?

There were 3 groups listening to Jesus that day. The CROWD, the DISCIPLES & the APOSTLES.

• The CROWD was there out of curiosity. They had nothing to do so they decided to see who this Jesus is.
• The DISCIPLES left everything to follow Jesus.
• And you know the APOSTLES. They were Jesus’ top 12. Wherever Jesus went, they were there.

All three groups were shocked when Jesus said "my flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink" (John 6:55).

Some of them started to quarrel. They started to murmur. So Jesus asked them, “Does this shock you?” (John 6:61).

How did the 3 groups react to what Jesus was teaching?

• The CROWD must have left after hearing His teaching. Anyway, they got their money’s worth already when Jesus multiplied the bread to feed 5,000 (John 6:12).
• Many of the DISCIPLES "returned to their former way of life and no longer accompanied Him” (John 6:66). They left because this teaching of Jesus was strange. It was scary. It was hard to believe. From an audience of more than 5,000 it dwindled down to a few hundreds. Jesus could easily withdraw what He said so they can all go back. He could have said, “Wait, I could explain it again. I was just speaking symbolically. Don’t leave” But He does not change anything.
• How about the APOSTLES? It was at this point that Jesus asked his APOSTLES, “Do you also want to leave?” (John 6:67)

The CROWD left, the DISCIPLES decreased & the APOSTLES were asked by Jesus.

The teaching on the Eucharist is important. This is why Jesus would not backtrack & change the teaching. He was willing to take the risk of having even the APOSTLES leave Him.

Jesus might be asking you the same question now. “Do you also want to leave?” because:

1. …your plans are not happening

2. …your health is failing you

3. …your relationships are not working out as you want them

4. …you might lose your job

5. …your close friends left you

You may leave Jesus if you want but He will continue to pursue you. That’s the truth! He is the good shepherd who leaves the 99 to search for you.

Don't be part of the CROWD, don't just be a DISCIPLE. Be an APOSTLE. Be like Peter who says, “Master, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life” (John 6:68)

So instead of LEAVING, start BELIEVING!

Instead of RUNNING, start RECEIVING.

Receive the Eucharist as often as possible. Regardless if it’s spiritual or actual communion, partake of Jesus. That’s Him 100%!

Have a powerful Easter weekend! - alvinfabella@yahoo.com