Jesus said so. And as Simon Peter affirms in our fourth reading, Jesus has the words of eternal life. Jesus is the one who came down from heaven. Jesus is the one who fed the 5000 and walked on water. Jesus is the one who gave his life on the cross, to pay the penalty for our sins. Jesus is the one who rose from the dead on the third day. Jesus is the one who said, “this is my body, given for you. This is my blood, shed for you.”
And so, we listen to these words of eternal life, and we joyfully participate in the sacrament of Holy Communion, because Jesus said so. And before we start congratulating ourselves on our White Queen ability to believe impossible things before breakfast, Jesus says to Peter, “it was not you who chose me, it was I who chose you. No one can come to me unless it is granted by the Father. It is through the working of the Holy Spirit, that you have come to believe.” We receive the abiding presence of Jesus with gratitude. We receive the promise that we will be raised on the last day with hope. And we receive the bread come down from heaven, the true flesh and blood of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Well, not this week, but definitely next week!
Gracious God, we thank you for your Son Jesus, that it is your will for us to believe in him whom you have sent, and have eternal life. Keep us strong in faith, in Jesus' name, amen.