Jesus then said to the Twelve,
Do you also want to leave?
Simon Peter answered him,
Master, to whom shall we go?
You have the words of eternal life.
We have come to believe
and are convinced that you are the Holy One of God.
— John 6 60-69
Saint Peter is one of my favorite figures in scripture. When it came time for me to join the church and become confirmed, it was his name I took as my patron saint. I did so because, like Peter, I can stick my foot right in my mouth at precisely the wrong moment. With the grace of God, like Peter, I too, periodically get it right.
Today Peter makes a profound pronouncement. He acknowledges that he recognizes that God is standing right before him in the flesh. That must have been a breathtaking moment for him, his friends, and Jesus.
There is such a great power in recognizing and seeing God in our midst. May we have the presence of mind and the guidance of spirit during these difficult times to acknowledge where should we go… where else can we go… only you, Lord, have the words of eternal life. In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.