John 6:60-69 What about you, do you want to go away too?

The Discovery of America By Christopher Columbus, Painted by Salvador Dalí (1904-1989), Painted in 1959, oil on canvas © Salvador Dalí Museum, St Petersburg, Florida

Gospel Reading

After hearing his doctrine many of the followers of Jesus said, ‘This is intolerable language. How could anyone accept it?’ Jesus was aware that his followers were complaining about it and said, ‘Does this upset you? What if you should see the Son of Man ascend to where he was before? ‘It is the spirit that gives life, the flesh has nothing to offer. The words I have spoken to you are spirit and they are life. ‘But there are some of you who do not believe.’ For Jesus knew from the outset those who did not believe, and who it was that would betray him. He went on, ‘This is why I told you that no one could come to me unless the Father allows him.’ After this, many of his disciples left him and stopped going with him. Then Jesus said to the Twelve, ‘What about you, do you want to go away too?’ Simon Peter answered, ‘Lord, who shall we go to? You have the message of eternal life, and we believe; we know that you are the Holy One of God.’

Reflection on the painting

In today’s Gospel reading, Jesus asks his disciples a troubling question: “What about you, do you want to go away too?” This question comes after many of his followers had abandoned him. Today’s reading serves as a reminder that we all have a choice to make every day. Jesus doesn’t want us to stay with him against our will. However, if we do decide to stay, like the Twelve, he has plenty of work for us to do. Jesus didn’t force them into doing anything; he simply asked, and they responded. Christ will indeed take us to incredible places if we remain with him. He doesn’t force us to lead catechism classes, become eucharistic ministers, arrange flowers for the church, attend a seminary, or pray with our families. It is all our free choice. As summer slowly draws to a close, maybe today is a good day to think of what we want to say 'yes' to when work and schools start again in September. If we continue to say yes to what he proposes to us, we embark on an exciting and adventurous path towards the greatness he has in store for each of us. That is what faith is: an incredible adventure, not knowing where Jesus may take us next! Interestingly, the word ‘adventure’ comes from the same Latin root as ‘Advent,’ meaning ‘going towards’ something. As Christians, we are on a journey towards closeness with God. A painting that captures this sense of adventure and discovery is Salvador Dalí’s ‘The Discovery of America by Christopher Columbus.’ This fascinating work combines Spanish naval history, religion, art, faith, and myth into one ambitious composition. Gala (Dalí’s wife) is depicted as the Virgin Mary, Columbus as an adolescent boy in a classical robe symbolising America as a young, newly discovered continent. The religious iconography conveys how the Spanish brought the Christian faith to a new world. Dalí painted himself in the background as a kneeling monk holding a crucifix. Our faith is indeed a rich, wonderful adventure, one to which we are asked to say ‘yes’ to every day, and not walk away.

by Father Patrick van der Vorst