WORSHIP

READ PASSAGE ALOUD

RE-READ PASSAGE AND COMMENTARY
(Personal reflection)

PERSONAL FOCUS
(Personal reflection on the passage / commentary & questions in silence 10 minutes)

COMMENTARY
Faced with Jesus' claim to be the real bread from heaven, his disciples had to make a decision. Today's gospel gives their reaction to that claim. Many reject his words and refuse to believe that he "came down" from heaven. Jesus told them to "stop murmuring" and pointed out the need for that faith which only God can give. The twelve remain with Jesus. They were the ones who would remain with Jesus once he ascended to the Father. Peter sums up their faith, accepting the revelation of Jesus with the words, "Lord to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life". The people who deserted him wanted answers they could understand. Their faith was weak. The apsotles did not understand either, but they loved Jesus, they believed and accepted. Much of Christian faith is mystery. In this long chapter about bread the Eucharist has been in our thinking. We cannot understand how Jesus is present in the Eucharist.

PERSONAL FOCUS QUESTIONS

1. Describe how your experience of the Service of Holy Communion
    has changed over the years and how this has effected you.

2. Describe a struggle you had which led to deeper faith.

3. Describe an experience when you took a risk without fully understanding
    the outcome.
    What effect did it have?

When you have reflected alone, share together in threes.

LIFE FOCUS

1. What are the most meaningful dimensions of the Service of
    Holy Communion for you?

2. Do you think there is a place for mystery in Christian faith and worship?

3. What practical outcome is there from our reflection?
    Do we need to make any plans to make things happen?

GROUP MEMORY TIME
(reveiew the actions you agreed to carry out at previous meetings)

REVIEW TIME
Have your reflections on John 6 proved helpful in appreciating the service of Holy Communion more?
Could you share any of these reflections in worship or incorporate them into a service?

PRAYER TIME
Pray for those who struggle on the journey of faith.
Pray for grace to take risks and step out in faith.

NEXT MEETING
Fix date and venue of next meeting.