Jn 6:44–51
[Jesus said to the crowds,] “No one can come to me unless he is drawn by the Father who sent me; and I will raise him up on the last day. It has been written in the Prophets: They shall all be taught by God. So whoever listens and learns from the Father comes to me. For no one has seen the Father except the One who comes from God; he has seen the Father. Truly, I say to you, whoever believes has eternal life.
I am the bread of life. Though your ancestors ate the manna in the desert, they died. But here you have the bread which comes from heaven, so that you may eat of it, and not die. I am the living bread which has come from heaven; whoever eats of this bread will live forever. The bread I shall give is my flesh, and I will give it for the life of the world.”
REFLECTION
The law of gravity, opposite poles attract each other, is a truism both scientifically and spiritually. Prostitutes, corrupt tax collectors, untouchable lepers, unclean women, men possessed by evil spirits, the poor, the simple and uneducated fishermen are all drawn to Jesus. Simon Peter is emotionally unstable and given to fits of temper. The two brothers, James and John, had personal ambition. Matthew was a sinful tax collector.
The political authorities, the Sadducees and Pharisees stayed away from him. They thought they were holy. This attraction between Jesus and the rejects-misfits of society started when he was born in a manger. The simple poor shepherds and the pagan wise men were the ones who were drawn first to his crib.
Why are rejects and misfits drawn to Jesus? It is due to his divine power. When the woman touched the hem of Jesus’ garments, he realized that “power had gone out from him.” (Mk 5:30) At Gethsemane, as Jesus said, “‘I Am he,’ they all drew back and fell to the ground!” (Jn 18:6) Our weakness can bring us to Jesus. Like poles repel each other. If we think we’re “holy,” there is no need for his grace.
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