A Reflection for Wednesday of the Third Week of Easter
Find today’s readings here.
Everything that the Father gives me will come to me,
and I will not reject anyone who comes to me,
because I came down from heaven not to do my own will
but the will of the one who sent me. (Jn 6:37-8)
In this section of John’s Gospel, Jesus promises that whoever comes to him will never hunger, whoever believes in him will never thirst. These are familiar lines to Catholics, especially those of us who cannot read the line,“I am the bread of life” without hearing the opening notes of the familiar hymn by Suzanne Toolan with the same name.
When we look at our lives, we will almost certainly be able to pinpoint moments when we’ve felt rejected by others. But contemplating the moments we’ve rejected others might be more difficult.
But as I read the entire Gospel passage, I was struck by other lines that had not previously stood out to me:
I will not reject anyone who comes to me,
because I came down from heaven not to do my own will
but the will of the one who sent me.
Life often feels filled with rejection. When we’re young, we worry that our peers will reject us as we try to make friends. We might apply to schools, or for jobs, and rejection becomes a familiar feeling as our skills and credentials are scrutinized. Later, we may face rejection as we seek a partner or even from our families as our lives take unexpected turns. Perhaps an entire community may offer rejection, whether because of what we believe or who we are.
Rejection can be a terrible feeling. It makes us question our worth, causes us to wonder if we have a place in the community. Which is why I was drawn to Jesus’ promise that he will not reject anyone who comes to him. Who among us would be able to make a similar promise?
When we look at our lives, we will almost certainly be able to pinpoint moments when we’ve felt rejected by others. But contemplating the moments we’ve rejected others might be more difficult. Have there been moments when I rejected others unjustly? Have I let fear or prejudice trump my desire to be welcoming? Are there individuals in my life who are difficult to welcome, but who nonetheless deserve not to feel rejected?
