Homily: August 25, 2024, Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time

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“This saying is hard; who can accept it?”

“As a result of this, many of his disciples returned to their former way of life and no longer accompanied him.”

This weekend is the last of the five Sundays during which the Gospel readings were taken from chapter 6 of St. John, the Bread of Life discourse, exploring fully Jesus’ teachings on the Eucharist, beginning with the multiplication of loaves.

Next week we will continue with the Gospel of Mark.

So, what saying is hard to accept for the disciples?

It is Jesus’ saying that His body is true bread, His blood is true drink and only those who eat and drink His body and blood will have eternal life with Him.

Is it also hard for you to accept?

There are many teachings in the Catholic Church which are hard to accept. And like many of the disciples who left Jesus and returned to their former way of life, even after seeing all His works and miracles, many present-day Catholics also leave the church because they could not accept the teachings.

Should the Church adjust our teachings and ways of worship to make it more relevant to today’s world and to suit the preferences of the general population, so that more people will join the Church?

Well, maybe such a change might attract more people to the church indeed, but would they truly be saved?

The Catholic faith is not in a popularity competition. While God wants to save every soul, the church is not in a hurry to win votes for the sake of being accepted by the world.

The church is in the business of winning souls who accept the Word.

Many people in this country have asked me, “When did you convert to Catholicism?” or “When did you become a Christian?”

The Christian faith was brought to India more than 2,000 years ago, by the Apostle St. Thomas. We heard the Gospel before peter and paul reached Rome.  Thus, traditional Catholic families in India most likely have been Catholic for over 2,000 years, handing the faith down over hundreds of generations.

My own family are one of these traditional Catholic families. My parents were Catholic, so were their parents, and so were the many generations before them. And so are my siblings and their children. So am I.

We are Catholics not because the teachings were easy to believe or follow, not because it was a popular religion in India, not even because we like the church nor the priests. In fact, I hated catechism classes when I was young!

Jesus said, “For this reason I have told you that no one can come to me unless it is granted him by my Father.”

I am Catholic because it is my parent’s gift to me, passed down from the Apostles, from Jesus, from God the Father. It is the best gift my parents gave to me. I am very happy and proud to be Catholic.

But do I find the teachings hard?

Yes, I do! But I accept it, because it is the Truth. I would rather accept the truth even if it is hard, than to entertain a lie simply because it is easy.

We ask catechumens right before their baptism, “What does this faith offer you?” and many respond, “Eternal life.”

True but there’s more. The Catholic faith does not offer only eternal life hereafter, but it offers us fullness of life for here and now.

And that fullness of life is possible because of the Holy Eucharist. We do not need to wait till after death to be one with God. We can be in Him, and He in us, every day through the Eucharist.

How wonderful is this Truth! It would be foolish for me not to follow such a wonderful faith that offers me such a valuable gift.

But we all have a choice, the freedom is ours to believe or not believe. In today’s first reading, Joshua asks the Israelites, "If it does not please you to serve the LORD, decide today whom you will serve.”

We have a choice, and we must choose. We have the freedom to decide, and we must decide.

Jesus asked His remaining disciples, and us, “Do you also want to leave?”

The world will never stop criticizing and opposing the Catholic Church for her stance on life issues, including abortion, euthanasia, and gender identity.

And the Church will never stop proclaiming the Truth to please or attract more followers.

So, for all of us remaining in the church, do not expect the Church to change her teachings because our Lord and Master did not compromise even when many left Him, even when many threatened to take His life.

Jesus asks again, "Do you also want to leave?"

And who would you go to, if not Jesus?

He has the words of eternal life. If we truly believe and are convinced that He is the Holy One of God, we will stay, stand firm and accept all His teachings.

Yes, His teachings are hard, who can accept it?

You who love the truth, can accept it.

You who love Jesus, can accept it.

Christian life is a radical choice and commitment. You either follow it or you don’t. Never sail on two boats.

Believe the Truth and your life will be full. Follow the Truth and your life will be eternal.

Amen.


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