Simon Peter answered Him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You alone have the words of eternal life. We have believed and have come to know that You are the Holy One of God.” (Jn 6:68)
That phrase "to whom shall we go" could easily be a daily prayer or meditation. I know it very much resonants within my heart..
When I'm tempted and tried, when I've failed God miserably, when I'm down and depressed.. I can simply pray this prayer- to whom shall I go? Then I remember that Jesus alone can satisfy and redeem me with His Words of eternal Life. In reality, there is no one else to offer us such life.
Like Simon Peter, I've not only believed, but have come to know by personal experience, Christ is the Holy One of God! I know this FULL well! To deny this, would be to deny revealed truth. He's proven Himself as GOD countless times in my life.
Knowing and recalling this leads me back to that simply-stated question- To whom shall I go?
Notice it does not say "where", as in "where shall I go". The Psalmist has already answered that very question. "Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence" We should know by now, it is quite impossible to run away from God.
"If we ascend to the heavens, He's there; If we make our beds in the deepest abyss, He's there. If we take the wings of the dawn and decide to dwell in the remotest part of the sea, even there His hand will lead us. His right hand will never let us go".
Notice also, it does not say "what". In our society, we often turn to material things as our distraction of choice.. To "what do we go" or turn becomes the question.. Maybe the mindless amusements we hold so dear? Maybe buying things we don't really need, to impress people we don't care about? Maybe "what" we turn to is innocent on the surface, but simply consumes our thoughts more than it should?
Still, in the Christian faith we should know better than anyone, all these things are wood, hay and stubble! They are of no value toward eternal life and the prize of knowing Him. Turning to "what" (as in things) should not be our life's quest!
It should never be a question of "where" or "what", but to "whom" shall we go? A personal encounter worthy of our time and attention!
From now on, may my daily prayer and meditation be centered on this..
When I start to turn toward base, material things, may the words of Saint Peter ring true in my mind..
To Whom shall I go?
When I'm tempted to run and hide because of my failures and sins, may this truth again pierce my heart..
To Whom shall I go?
When the storms of life assail or I've lost my way yet once again, may my lips whisper these sacred words..
To Whom shall I go?
Dear Lord, You alone have the Words of Eternal Life! You are the Holy One of God! Save me in Your great mercy.
