Defection vs. Determination

Homily for Saturday of the Third Week in Easter

The last scene from chapter six of St. John’s Gospel is regarded by some as the beginning of the end. People had come to Jesus in large numbers. When he was in Jerusalem at the Passover, many saw his miracles and believed in his name. In Samaria great things happened as an entire town came to believe in Jesus. In Galilee the crowds had walked after Jesus just the day before today’s scene. However, the tone of things has changed; from now on there would be growing hatred which was going to culminate in the cross.

As I read over this particular scene, I was mindful that it could be described by two different words: defection and determination.

Some of the disciples of Jesus turned back and walked with him no more. They drifted away for various reasons. Some saw quite clearly where Jesus was heading. It was not possible to challenge the authorities as he was doing and get away with it. He was heading for disaster, and some chose to get out before they too were part of that disaster. Some short the challenge of Jesus. Fundamentally their point of view was that they had come to Jesus to get something from him; when it came to suffering with and for him and giving to him, they quit. If one comes to Jesus solely to get and never to give, they will eventually turn away. To follow Jesus means to carry the same cross that he would carry.

At the same time there is great determination. St. John’s Gospel does not contain the familiar story of Peter’s affirmation at Caesarea Philippi. This is St. John’s a version of Peter’s affirmation of faith. As Jesus asked his disciples if they too wished to go away, Peter’s loyalty was put on display. To him the simple fact was that there was just no one else to whom he could go. Jesus had the words of life.

Peter’s loyalty, his determination to continue to follow Jesus, was based on a personal relationship to him. There were probably things that Peter did not understand. He was just as bewildered and puzzled as anyone else. However, there was something about Jesus for which he would willingly die. So we hear Peter’s response as he speaks for all of his apostles – all but one, for Jesus already knew that one of them would betray him.

Today, let us be mindful of Peter’s allegiance and love which he gives because his heart would not allow him to do anything else. May the same thing be said of all of us.