A few days ago I came across this simple but profound message on Facebook: ‘Would you leave Jesus because of Judas?’ At dark times in our Church like this, many voices will cry out, ‘Why would you still want to be part of the Catholic Church with all these terrible scandals?’ I think the above is a good answer: ‘Would you leave Jesus because of [the actions of] Judas?’
It is easy to become disheartened when we are bombarded with such bleak news. But this is the time to remind ourselves who we follow and why. The readings this Sunday are about those choices. In the first reading Joshua says to the people: ‘If it does not please you to serve the Lord, decide whom you will serve.’ And then he goes on to say, ‘As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.’ That is really what it comes down to. In the Gospel, many people stop following Jesus because of what He says about the Eucharist. Jesus challenges the Apostles whether or not they will leave. Peter responds by saying, ‘Lord, where else can we go? We believe that you are the Christ.’ That is also what I believe and that is why I remain part of the Church. ‘As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.’