Becoming Irrelevant

The Gospel Reading on Sunday (August 21, 2021) was fascinating. It gave us a glimpse of how Jesus treated those who do not accept his teachings.

It was the concluding part of Jesus’ discourse on the Bread of Life. Towards the end of this discourse, Jesus said that he would give his flesh as food and his blood as drink.

The disciples found this “hard teaching” difficult to accept.

Their reaction was to leave Jesus. These so-called disciples abandoned Jesus because Jesus was teaching something that they cannot accept.

What was the reaction of Jesus?

He did not call them to come back because they misunderstood him.

He did not water down his teachings to suit the sentiments or sensitivities of the disciples.

After being left by many disciples, Jesus confronted his closest associates (the Twelve), asking them if they would also go.

He did not ask them to stay or ask for their companionship after many other disciples deserted him.

Why is it that Jesus did not run after those who deserted him?

The reason is actually in the text. Jesus believed that only those whom the Father has drawn would come and stay.

In other words, those who are meant to stay will stay, while those who are not called by God will surely go away.

For Jesus, evangelization is not a popularity contest.

It is not a matter of how many are going to church on a Sunday.

Instead, it matters more whether these disciples accept the difficult teachings of Jesus regardless of whether they like it or not.

You might have often heard that the Church should adapt itself to the changing times, but this is partially misleading.

What does it mean to adapt? Which aspect of the Church should adapt?

Frequently, the underlying premise is that since so many people do not find the Church teachings relevant to their lives, the Church has to adapt its teachings to what the world wants to hear.

Translation: The Church has to let go of its difficult teachings because they might offend people. Thus, it is no surprise that you don’t hear much about divorce, abortion, the use of artificial contraception, non-traditional unions, and many other issues.

Thus, a question arises.

If the Church and its teachings no longer serve as a sign of contradiction to the world.

Instead, it merely echoes what the world is saying.

Is it not that the Church becomes the very thing it tries to avoid: becoming irrelevant to the world.