So Much

As a result of this,

many of his disciples returned to their former way of life

and no longer accompanied him.

Jesus then 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 6:60-69

So much of what you say is hard:
Sometimes I turn away,
but still I crave what you impart
and treasure what you say.

So much I cannot understand,
so much I rail against,
but still I seek out your command
to straighten what is bent,

to eat the living bread you give,
to take your riven flesh
and find in it a way to live
in blood and water drenched,

and make up, in my flesh and bone,
what somehow lacks in yours,
as if you were but man alone
and not the living Lord.

So much so far beyond my ken,
so much I cannot know,
but if I turn from you, what then?
O Lord, where would I go?

Then give me still the living bread,
and give me still your word.
I am still here, O Christ my head,
and you are still my lord.