Do You also Want to Leave Me?

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Easter Season:  Third Week : Saturday* 

*Gospel : Jn 6:60-69*

*First Reading : Acts 9:31-42*

*Responsorial Psalm : Ps 116:12-13, 14-15, 16-17*

*Do You also Want to Leave Me?*

*1) Question about leaving Jesus*

The question *“Do you also want to leave?”* is found in John 6:67.

 Here Jesus turns to His twelve disciples after many of His followers abandon Him because they find His teaching—particularly about eating His flesh and drinking His blood—too difficult to accept. 

This question is both piercing and deeply personal, and it invites several layers of reflection.

*2)  A Crisis of Faith*

At this moment, many disciples are walking away because Jesus has shattered their expectations. 

His words challenge their understanding and comfort.

Jesus doesn’t dilute His message to keep the crowd. Instead, He lets them go and turns to the Twelve with this direct question.

In our own faith journey, there are moments when Jesus’ teachings or the demands of discipleship confront us—personally, morally, or intellectually. 

His question asks us: Will you still follow Me when faith is hard to understand or painful to live?

*3) The Freedom of Discipleship*

Jesus does not force His disciples to stay. His question reveals that faith is never coerced. 

Love, trust, and commitment must be freely given.

God respects our freedom. This question underscores our constant choice in following Him—not just once, but daily. 

Will we choose to remain even when we don’t understand everything?

*4) The Beauty of Peter’s Response*

In the very next verse (John 6:68), Peter responds:

*“Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.”*

Peter does not say he understands everything Jesus said—but he trusts Him. 

It’s a response of love and loyalty over logic.

Faith sometimes means clinging to Jesus even in confusion or spiritual dryness. 

Peter reminds us that the core of our faith is a relationship, not just comprehension.

*5) A Mirror for Our Time*

This question echoes into our modern world where many are disillusioned or indifferent toward religious faith. 

Scandals, suffering, unanswered prayers, or societal pressures often drive people away from the Church.

Jesus still asks each of us today: Will you also leave? 

It is a call to examine whether we are following Him out of deep conviction or only convenience.

*6) Invitation to a Deeper Commitment*

This moment in John's Gospel marks a deepening of the disciples' journey. 

The crowd departs, but those who stay begin to understand that true discipleship involves sacrifice, mystery, and trust.

Jesus’ question is not one of fear or insecurity, but an invitation to go deeper—to follow not just the miracles and the joy, but also the cross.

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*