Family Bible Study - Sunday, August 23rd, 2009 - 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time

Gospel Passage
John 6:60 When many of his disciples heard it, they said, “This teaching is difficult; who can accept it?” 61 But Jesus, being aware that his disciples were complaining about it, said to them, “Does this offend you? 62 Then what if you were to see the Son of Man ascending to where he was before? 63 It is the spirit that gives life; the flesh is useless. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life. 64 But among you there are some who do not believe.” For Jesus knew from the first who were the ones that did not believe, and who was the one that would betray him. 65 And he said, “For this reason I have told you that no one can come to me unless it is granted by the Father.” 66 Because of this many of his disciples turned back and no longer went about with him. 67 So Jesus asked the twelve, “Do you also wish to go away?” 68 Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom can we go? You have the
words of eternal life. 69 We have come to believe and know that you are the Holy
One of God.”

Questions for Discussion:
1. Many of the disciples didn’t accept Jesus’ teachings on the Eucharist and went away, but Jesus didn’t change the teaching on the Eucharist to satisfy them. They ended up abandoning God’s own Son. Have you known anyone who has abandoned Jesus
because they don’t want to accept one of his teachings?

2. It probably was not easy for the twelve apostles to believe in Jesus’ teaching on the reality of eating His flesh and blood in the Eucharist, but Peter said, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.” Do you think Peter sets a good example for us to follow whenever we have questions about the faith? To whom can
you go to get answers that come from God?

3. In order to receive the Eucharist worthily, you have to make sure you have not
committed any serious (mortal) sins since your last confession, and if you have, to go to confession BEFORE receiving Holy Communion. You first must go to Jesus in the
sacrament of confession before you go to Jesus in the sacrament of the Eucharist. Do
you live by this teaching of the Church?
used with permission - Fr. Roger Landry