Meditation of His Beatitude Patriarch Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa: XXI Sunday Of Ordinary Time
Below you can find the Meditation of His Beatitude Patriarch Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, for the XXI Sunday Of Ordinary Time, Sunday 25 August 2024.
Jn 6:60-69
At the conclusion of Jesus' discourse in John 6, similar to what occurs in the dialogues following other signs reported by the Evangelist John, two distinct groups emerge among those present: one group embraces the message and comprehends the sign, while the other group rejects it and remains unbelieving.
The sign is meant for everyone, but while some are touched by the grace and gifts of God revealed through Jesus' works, and experience a transformation in their lives, others find it difficult to open their hearts. Each person has their own timing and path. What remains certain is that the Father never ceases to draw us to Himself, as Jesus repeatedly highlighted in this discourse, trusting that eventually, everyone’s heart will find an opening.
What can create an opening in the hardened heart of man?
Today's passage provides us with opportunities for reflection.
Only a hard - strong and challenging - word, like the one described in John 6:60, can make a breach in a man’s hardened heart. Jesus doesn’t present us with a trivial or restricted vision, nor a diluted and disappointing life plan. Instead, He offers a serious and important path, one that is worthy of the salvation given to us, allowing us to fully embrace the heights of God's gift.
The path that leads to these heights cannot be other than a serious, maturing and demanding one that deeply engages the entire human experience. It’s not about superficial change, but about cultivating a humanity capable of true communion, fraternity, and sharing. The challenging Word is the one that shifts focus from the individual "I" to the collective "we."
Only a "hard" word has the power to capture the human heart and set in motion paths of truth and freedom.
When confronted with this difficulty, there are two possible reactions: the first is bewilderment from those who find the Word too challenging to follow (Jn. 6:60). This attitude stems from a lack of faith and trust, where it is thought that this conversion of the heart depends only on us and our efforts. Such bewilderment becomes murmuring (Jn. 6:61), much like what occurred during the Exodus journey when faced with the great promise of freedom and life.
The second reaction is reflected in Peter's words.
When Jesus becomes aware of the disciples' murmuring (Jn. 6:61), He does not soften His message but intensifies it, making His words even more “hard” (Jn. 6:62) by speaking of His return to the Father and His Passover.
At this juncture, Jesus poses a decisive question: "Do you also want to leave?" (Jn. 6:67)…
This Meditation was originally published on the website of the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem. Please click here to read the full text.