From this time many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed him. “You do not want to leave too, do you?” Jesus asked the Twelve. Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and to know that you are the Holy One of God.” // John 6:66-69
Many years ago, after almost a year of seeking, my search for truth culminated in a dramatic encounter with Jesus. My heart and mind resounded with an all-out yes, a forsaking-it-all response to the invitation to follow Him. It was glorious; I was filled with the Spirit and new life, and I walked in freedom and joy. It was also extremely difficult; my Jewish family was horrified (to say the least), my friends left me, and my future plans were upended. Through it all, with God’s grace, I was able to say to Jesus: “I will never leave You. You have the words of eternal life.”
Seven years later, as a dedicated disciple stirred by a desire for more, I began to investigate the claims of the Catholic Church. I discovered magnificent treasures, but the hard teachings of the Church (in particular the Eucharist) also confounded my human understanding and challenged my will. Despite doubts, and some fear and trepidation, with God’s grace as I entered the Church, I sincerely professed, “Jesus, I will never leave You. You have the words of eternal life.”
For almost forty years, my life has been marked by the triumphs and joys, suffering and trials of marriage, family life, ministry, and the daily call to take up my cross and follow Jesus. Although the world is changing with alarming speed and the Church is undergoing testing and purification, I can still proclaim, “Jesus, I will never leave You. You have the words of eternal life.”
Sister, despite discouragement, doubt, or weariness, in joy and sorrow, please join me in proclaiming with renewed clarity and conviction, “Jesus, we will never leave You. You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and to know that You are the Holy One of God.”
Where else would we go?
Debra Herbeck is a Jewish convert to the Church who serves extensively in youth and women’s ministry. She directs Pine Hills Girls Camp (for 34 years), and is the Founder and Director of Be Love Revolution, a ministry for high school girls. Find her books here. She and her husband have four children and eight grandchildren. She is the author of Blessed Conversations: Misericordia. Find out more about her here.
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