Saturday of the Third Week of Easter
Many of Jesus’ disciples reject him and return to their former way of life because they cannot accept what he is teaching them. This teaching regards his divinity, that he will bring about new and eternal life, and his gift to us of the Eucharist. The people cannot accept what turns out to be the greatest gift ever offered because it doesn’t correspond with their expectations. They decide that they don’t want Jesus or to follow him because he makes them question what they think they know and calls them to accept that he is superior to them. They do not want to submit to him but want the Incarnate God to do as they desire. He has already humbled himself in taking on our humanity, but he will not deny truth simply because we are too sure of ourselves.
No one can fully understand God and his actions. He is too great for us to comprehend. Nevertheless, God offers us a share in his life if we submit to the truth and recognize his Son Jesus as Lord. We can go on being pleased with ourselves and live entirely according to our own will, but we will then miss out on sharing in God’s life, the eternal life in which we are freed from our disordered desires and granted satisfaction in Christ Jesus. No other way of life offers fulfillment. Only Jesus, the Incarnate God, can offer us satisfaction by sharing in his life.
Reflection by Fr. Victor Schinstock, OSB
Posted in Article for Easter, Daily Reflections