When a person promises something, it is possible that… secretly, we ask ourselves the question: ‘Is this really sure?’’
Our questioning may also be about the person himself, or herself: ‘Is he, is she, reliable, can I trust him/her?
Today’s gospel text is precisely about a promise.
The words that state it are Jesus own words saying:
“Whoever comes to me I will never drive away” (John 6:37).
These words have a strength of their own – they are a formal assertion.
They are an unconditional promise.
There is no ‘if’ or, ‘may be’ – it is a definite affirmation.
And it comes to us from Jesus – could we doubt what he, himself, tells us?
We sometimes hesitate to appear before a person in authority.
Someone whose power is impressive, whose personality keeps us at a distance, we do not get near such a person without thinking carefully about it.
But Jesus, he expects, he desires, he anticipates, our coming near – in fact, he is the one who makes himself near.
Near to the extent that he has become one of us!
Our weaknesses, our failings, our infidelities – all our human baggage which sometimes discourages us – all this does not keep him at a distance.
And it should NOT keep us at a distance – it is impossible for him to reject us – this would be to deny himself!
Note: In the short video that follows (in French), the young student, Anouk, continues her reflection on this text who speaks to her personally. https://youtu.be/q3ijicrr3-0?si=wa-p9HTan-DmUciw
Source: Image: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/comeuntochrist/believe