So they said to him, “What can we do to accomplish the works of God?” Jesus answered and said to them,
“This is the work of God, that you believe in the one he sent.” (John 6: 28-29)
The Gospel today takes place after Jesus fed the five thousand. We hear the next day people got into boats to go to Capernaum to look for Jesus, perhaps in hopes of seeing another miracle or to hear more parables. The Gospel concludes with the disciples asking Jesus, “What can we do to accomplish the works of God?” Jesus answered and said to them “This is the work of God, that you believe in the one he sent.” Sounds simple enough: believe in Jesus.
It’s easy to say you believe in Jesus and all that is written in Scripture. The daily challenge is putting this belief into action. As Catholics we know that faith without action or works is dead. True faith transforms us from reading and listening to the Scripture to living it. We are called and sent forth from the celebration of Mass to carry the Word to others. Simple acts such as kindness to strangers or a smile of appreciation can emulate Jesus’ love of neighbor. How we act in the car, at home, when out with friends, at work; everywhere our daily path takes us can be an example of faith.
We discover by pausing even once during a hectic day to do something nice for someone else, and that sets an example of our belief in “the one he sent.” This has an impact on all areas of our life, on the way we serve, on the way we live.
John and Trish Frazer
Precious Blood Companions