NOTES for Jn 6:35-39

“The one who comes to Me I will certainly not cast out.” Why do these words give hope? Because we know who comes to Him. Sooner or later, of course, everyone will come, and that in itself is encouraging. But we know that among the disciples there was no one truly worthy of his Teacher. Those closest to Him failed to understand many things until the very end. Only some “outsiders” understood that Christ was incomparably greater than they were, yet still came humbly to Him. The father of the possessed boy, for example, says to Jesus, “I believe, Lord! Help my unbelief” (Mk 9:24). Or the centurion: “Lord, I am not worthy for You to come under my roof, but only say the word, and my servant will be healed” (Mt 8:8). And the Lord truly received them and answered the deepest desires and questions of their hearts. He does more than simply refrain from casting out those who come. He shows them the way and walks that way Himself. He is the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for the sheep (see Jn 10:11). He takes us in His arms and carries us at His breast (see Is 40:11). He will lead us to where we shall lack nothing (see Ps 23:1). He will raise us up on the last day.