This weekend’s Gospel is about making choices, or, better yet, making a choice! Jesus “puts it to” the disciples and, in essence, says, “do you believe in me or not?” And, as we hear in this Gospel passage, some of them walked away. When Jesus put the question to Peter, Peter replied, “Lord, to whom shall we go, YOU have the words of eternal life.” Ah, yes…THAT is the truth by which we live our lives. So, what about you? What do you answer to this all important question? This fundamental choice that we make determines how we live our lives and who/what we will serve! And so, those of us who have chosen Christ prove that choice to be legitimate every time we make a choice for the good in our daily lives. Christians accept the challenge of Jesus by following “His Way” and making choices for Christ. We are fortified to make these choices by the Eucharist, the Bread of life! In addition, we are given the gift of courage from His Holy Spirit. Courage is important in our day and age. We need it to “take a stand for Jesus” and perhaps even endure ridicule, criticisms and even social isolation as a result of our adherence to sound Christian principles in our lives. That is what we mean by our “Amen” while receiving Jesus in the Eucharist. The word “Amen” literally means, “Yes, I believe that this is truly the Body and Blood of Jesus”…and “yes, I depend on Jesus to be my guide in my daily life. Believing in the Eucharist is a huge leap of faith. Have you made the jump? If not, what is holding you back? Make the choice for Jesus every day! A group of Christians gathered for a secret prayer meeting in Russia, at the height of the persecution of all Christian churches. Suddenly the door was broken by the boot of a soldier. He entered the room and faced the people with a gun in his hand. They all feared the worst. He spoke. "If there’s anyone who doesn’t really believe in Jesus, then, get out now while you have a chance." There was a rush to the door. A small group remained - those who had committed themselves to Jesus, and who were never prepared to run from him. The soldier closed the door after the others, and once again, he stood in front of those who remained, gun poised. Finally, a smile appeared on his face, as he turned to leave the room, and he whispered "Actually, I believe in Jesus, too, and you’re much better off without those others!" Gospel Question of the Week: So, where do you stand? Do you choose Jesus? Really?