You have the words of eternal life. Homily for the 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B.

Today is our fifth and final week reflecting upon chapter 6 of John’s gospel. We arrive at a watershed moment in the Johannine story, a moment of crisis. Our English word “crisis” comes from the Greek Kρίσις (krisis), which means judgment or decision. Jesus turns to the Twelve and asks: “Do you want to go away too?” This question is also directed to us: Will we choose Jesus, despite the incredible claims he makes? Or will we decide to stay where we are, satisfied with the lives we are living?