Most Holy Trinity - C

Commentary

John 16: 12-15

Everything that the Father Has is Mine, and Now Given to You

In the prologue, John sets a tone for his understanding of Jesus Christ.  “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God…. And the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us, and we saw his glory, the glory as of the Father’s only Son, full of grace and truth.” (1:1, 14)

Later on, as John recounts Jesus’ conversation with Nicodemus, we learned why the Father’s only Son came to made his dwelling among us.  It was because God so loved the world that He gave us his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life.” (3:16)

And eternal life is God’s life, the very life that God shares with humanity in the coming of God’s only Son among us, and through his death and resurrection.

Thus, in this passage, before Jesus offers himself as the ultimate gift of love, he tells the disciples, “Everything that the Father has is mine; for this reason I told you that [the Spirit] will take from what is mine, and declare it to you.” (16:15)

This is the same truth of eternal life that Jesus came to reveal.  And it is not always easy for us to accept.  Thus, before his departure, Jesus prays that the Father gives to his disciples that truth.  "Now this is eternal life, that they should know you, the only true God, and the one whom you sent, Jesus Christ." (17:3)

And that is the truth of eternal life to which the Spirit of truth guides us.

Most Holy Trinity - C (May 26, 2013)

Readings

 

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Pentecost Sunday

Commentary

John 14: 15-16, 23b-26

“The Holy Spirit Will Teach and Remind You”

Today’s Gospel passage recalls some of the words Jesus spoke to the disciples during the Last Supper.  Shortly afterwards, Jesus would be arrested, and the disciples seem to forget his words ever so quickly.

Knowing those he has chosen, Jesus knew that they needed help to remember “all that [he] had told them.”

And remember they did.  

They would recall his words, his deeds, and the way he lived his life among them.  At least twice, John’s Gospel indicates that.  “When he was raised from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this; and they believed the Scripture and the word that Jesus had spoken.” (2:22 and 12:16) [1]

And remember they did.

Thanks to them, Jesus’ words, actions, and his very life continue in the Church today.

Indeed, today, we still live in our lives the words of Jesus, “The Advocate, the Holy Spirit whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything and remind you of all that I told you.” 

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[1] Francis J. Moloney, SDB., The Gospel of John.  Sacra Pagina Series, Collegeville, MN. Liturgical Press, 1998; p. 410.

Pentecost Sunday (May 19, 2013)

Readings

Image: Holy Spirit Window, St. Peter's Basilica, Vatican

7th Sunday of Easter - C

Commentary

John 17: 20-26

What Else Do We Need?

Here, we read the very end of Chapter 17 in the Gospel of John.  In a few verses, at the beginning of Chapter 18, Jesus is arrested.

In that context, these are the farewell words of Jesus to his friends and disciples.

As he is about to offer himself as the sacrifice of love, Jesus tells us:

1    1. He prays for us (“I pray not only for them, but also for those who will believe in me through their word.”)

2    2. He has given us the glory that the Father gave him.

        3.  We are one with God (“I in them and you in me.”)

      4.  God loves us with the same love God loves God’s only Son (“You loved them even as you loved me.”

        5.  We have that love because Jesus has revealed God to us (“I made known to them your name and I will make it known, that the love with which you loved me may be in them and I in them.”)

      6. We are God’s gift to Jesus.

So, what else do we need?

7th Sunday of Easter - C (May 12, 2013)

Readings
(Note:  I most dioceses in the US, the Ascension of the Lord is celebrated this Sunday)

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6th Sunday of Easter - C

Commentary

John 14: 23-29

Knowing Jesus

Jesus reveals to us God.  He is the Word of God made flesh.  Consequently, not just his words, but his whole being, his words and actions, his thoughts and attitudes, his emotions and feelings, his death on the cross, and his resurrection reveal to us God.  In short, “Everything about him made God known to us.” [1]

Therefore, knowing Jesus Christ is knowing God.  

Knowing Jesus Christ is knowing God’s love, as Jesus tells us, “My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our dwelling with him.”  

Knowing Jesus Christ is knowing God’s peace.  “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you.”

And the Holy Spirit will keep this knowledge of Jesus Christ alive in us.

So, Jesus tells us, “Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid.” 

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 [1] Francis J. Moloney, The Gospel of the Lord, Reflections on the Gospel Readings Year C. Collegeville, MN. Liturgical Press, 1991; p. 106.

6th Sunday of Easter - C (May 5, 2013)

Readings

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