Hear the message, like Peter

We encounter a pivotal moment in Jesus’ ministry in this Sunday’s Gospel (John 6:60–69).

After teaching about the Bread of Life, many of His disciples found His words difficult to accept and left. Jesus then asked the Twelve if they also wished to leave, to which Peter responded, “Lord, who shall we go to? You have the message of eternal life…”

This passage resonates deeply with our current situation, where citizens face numerous challenges that test their faith, resilience, and commitment to building a better nation.

Crime is by far the most pressing issue, causing fear and insecurity among law-abiding citizens. Many find themselves concerned about their safety and the effectiveness of law enforcement. Like the disciples who found Jesus’ teachings difficult, some may be tempted to give up hope and choose, if they can, to migrate.

However, Peter’s unwavering faith reminds us that abandoning our principles and values is not the solution. Instead, we must persevere in our commitment to justice, community building, and social reform, recognising that these are the “words of eternal life” that can transform our society.

On the political landscape there are allegations of corruption, tribalism, nepotism,
and short-term thinking. Citizens may feel disillusioned with their leaders and the
democratic process, much like the disciples who struggled to understand Jesus’ message.

Yet, again, Peter’s response challenges us to seek leaders who embody integrity, vision, and genuine concern for all the people. It calls us to actively participate in the political process, holding our representatives accountable and working towards a more transparent and effective government.

The rise of non-communicable diseases and, not too long ago, the global pandemic, have strained sections of our healthcare system. Many citizens face difficulties accessing quality healthcare, leading to frustration and despair. The disciples’ struggle to accept Jesus’ teachings parallels the struggle many face in adopting healthier lifestyles or trusting in public health measures.

Peter’s affirmation of faith encourages us to persevere in promoting and practising
good health habits, supporting healthcare workers, and advocating for improved
healthcare policies.

The new school year opens in a few days and the education system faces its own
set of challenges, including unequal access to quality education, outdated curricula, and a mismatch between educational outcomes and job market needs.

Like the disciples who found Jesus’ words hard to understand, many students,
parents, and educators may feel overwhelmed by these issues. However, Peter’s steadfast commitment reminds us of the transformative power of education. It calls us to innovate, adapt, and persist in our efforts to create an education system that empowers all citizens and prepares them for the challenges of this 21st century.

Environmental concerns such as pollution, deforestation, and the impacts of climate change, pose significant threats to our natural beauty and resources. Many may feel hopeless, much like the disciples who were tempted to abandon Jesus.

Yet, Peter’s words inspire us to recognise that environmental stewardship is integral to our faith and our future. They challenge us to embrace sustainable practices like recycling plastic waste, advocate for stronger environmental policies, and work together to preserve our nation’s ecological heritage.

Like Peter, we must recognise that the path to a better future—addressing crime,
improving politics, enhancing health, education and environment, to name a few—
may be challenging, but it is the only path worth taking.

By holding fast to our values, working together, and maintaining hope in the face of adversity, we can build a Trinidad and Tobago that truly embodies the “words of eternal life”—justice, compassion, and sustainable prosperity for all.