Last weekend I went for an awesome mountain bike ride with my friend, Matthew, near Lyons through Heil Valley Ranch to Picture Rock. It was a challenging climb to a beautiful overlook; but, unlike most mountain bike rides, it was a more challenging ride down. The reason being that we made a slight miscalculation which delayed us about an hour, and we had to descend the last half of the trail after sunset. Thankfully, Matt had a light on his handlebars, so he led the way. As the trail got darker and darker I had to learn to trust his guidance more and more. With every minute of the hour-long descent I slipped past numerous rocks, roots and trees, any one of which could have sent me flying over my handlebars. But I just kept following Matt’s light and trusting the dark trail in front of me, praying all the way that the Lord would give me His eyes. Eventually I realized that Matt had become my eyes and that I had to trust in the Lord working through him and through my own agility. Without Matt and his headlight, I would’ve had to walk the long way down. But by placing my trust in Matt and in the Lord, I got down much faster and actually enjoyed this thrilling experience of surrender.
Perhaps this experience was something like what Peter and the apostles went through when Jesus said, “Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life.” Many of the disciples said, “This saying is hard; who can accept it?” And they no longer accompanied Jesus. Then Jesus said to the twelve, “Do you also want to leave?” Simon Peter answered Him, “Master, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and are convinced that you are the Holy One of God.” (John 6: 54, 60, 66-69) In other words, “Master, our trail is dark and it’s leading down to death. But you have the headlight to lead us through this darkness to eternal life. No one else has given us such reason for hope. Our own eyes are not good enough to see the way through this darkness. So, we will trust and follow You.”
We may savor our self-control when daylight shines upon our path ahead. But sooner or later darkness dims our clarity, and the eyes of our understanding become inadequate. “How can this man give us His flesh to eat?” “This saying is hard; who can accept it?” Why does the Church teach us to go to Mass every Sunday? How can Jesus truly be present in the Eucharist when it looks and tastes like bread and wine? “Whoever eats this bread will live forever.” Really? (John 6: 52, 58, 60)
I invite you to place yourself within this Gospel scene and contemplate it. Prayerfully offer Jesus any doubts, fears or confusion you may have. Then prayerfully imagine Him saying something like this to you, His travelling companion: “I know you cannot see the path ahead darkened by shadows. So, do you also want to leave? Or will you place your trust in me? I’ve got the headlight to lead you to eternal life. Don’t be afraid. Stay close to me. Surrender, and enjoy the ride!