This is one of the most painful verses in this week’s text. We have been reflecting on the disciples' doubts and struggles. Now, we see them drawing back and outright turning away from Jesus.
It seems that the disciples' doubt and struggle have grown too great. They can no longer follow this man. He has disturbed and confused them and
asked too much of them.
Let’s take a moment to acknowledge the moments in our lives when we draw back from Jesus. We stop our prayers, abandon our communities, stop our works of service for others, and no longer go about with him.
There may be many reasons we withdraw from Jesus. Perhaps we are overcome by doubt or overwhelmed by our struggles. Possibly, things are going
well, and we feel no need to remain close to him.
These moments may be in our past, we may be in the midst of them, or they may still be to come. The important thing is to know that Jesus never stops desiring our closeness in these moments. He is ready to go everywhere with us and welcome us back into his arms when we are prepared to return.
What have been my “withdrawal”
moments from God?
What caused them?
How did I respond to them?
Reflections by Sean van Staden SJ
