Lord, to whom shall we go?

     “Lord, to whom shall we go?” (Jn 6: 68) “You have the words to everlasting life” stands as one of the greatest testaments to our Lord and the Catholic faith in our rich history. The words were, of course, uttered by none other than the Church’s first Pope, Simon Peter, the Apostle.

       His response followed a question from our Lord when he asked the twelve, “Do you also want to leave?”(Jn 6: 67) during His “The Words of Eternal Life” teaching (Jn 6: 59).

      “I am the living bread that came down from heaven; whoever eats this bread will live forever, and the bread that I will give is my flesh for the life of the world.” (Jn 6:51) “As a result of this, many of his disciples returned to their former way of life and no longer accompanied him” (Jn 6: 66)  Many of his followers and disciples were unable to accept this great mystery and His Divine Gift.

       I really can’t blame them. It was, and still is, unfathomable for our limited minds to grasp.

       In my own personal experience I must admit that after 12 years of Parochial Catholic education I failed to make the connection with this fundamental truth….and it was embarrassing.  My poor mother was literally shocked to know that I did not grasp the mystery of the Eucharist. To this day I can see the expression on her face. Not only of surprise, but I also saw how it pained her. She wrote it down for me to constantly remind me of this truth. With the way she looked at me, I only had to read her note one time. In hindsight it frightens me to realize how foolish I had been to have not seen this truth before!

       In today’s world, how many of those among us can accept, and have accepted this truth? Christ, our Lord is alive at the Sacrifice of the Mass in the Holy Eucharist. It is the cornerstone of the Catholic religion. And it separates us from all other religions, as we center ourselves unconditionally around the reality that Christ is truly present in the Eucharist.

       Haven’t all of us been reminded at some point in our life’s experiences that history repeats itself? This cliques is not only objective (based on facts) but also subjective (based on personal opinion.)

       A recent survey conducted through the University of Notre Dame by Michael Rota and Stephan Bullivant (August 12, 2025) reveals that 9 out of 10 cradle Catholics have elected “disaffiliation” as their religious choice. No longer practicing any faith, nor attending Mass and/or worship services.

       At first glance we may find this survey alarming and an almost death blow to the future of the Catholic religion. But I am not so sure? It is disappointing to find that there are now so many former Catholics, and we must pray for their return and redemption. But, those of us who profess ourselves as believers can find solace in the certain knowledge that God is in control. Even in the(se) dark hours.

       I again recall Simon Peter, whom our Lord often addressed, (Lk 22:31) “Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift you as wheat” Are we witnessing a modern day sifting? (history repeats itself)

       I, further, make note of the fact that the authors Rota and Bullivant scapegoat the parents of these fallen away Catholics citing their failure as parents to pass on the Catholic faith. This, of course, has a good deal of truth to it, but is not always the case.  Ultimately, we, as individuals, are all able to choose for ourselves, and are responsible for the decisions we make. Likewise, all of us have our own trials and tribulations we are subject to through our lifetimes. You cannot “pass the buck” on what you have decided. You cannot blame your parents.

       And let’s give credit where credit is due: Satan has done a very effective job of destroying the family unit, not only in America, but around the world.  Too many people, including (or perhaps I should say especially) Catholics fail to see the power of the devil.  He, is indeed, the “prince of this world” This is his domain, and he controls us by a multitude of distractions through sight, sound, feelings, prejudice, suspicion, doubt, time, and influences.

       The Catholic Church is fighting back with their campaign emphasizing the family core, consciously strengthening all families in unity. We have to join the fight.  Another key influence remains in the power of the seven sacraments and especially the Most Holy Eucharist.

       As individuals, we have been empowered to block out the world around us and the devils influence though our daily prayers.  Train hard! The rewards cannot be described with mere words!

       May God bless you, abundantly!