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

Image source: http://free-christian-wallpapers.blogspot.ca/2011/05/john-1427-bible-verse-about-peace.html

5th Sunday of Easter - C

Commentary

John 13: 31-33a, 34-35

The Love that Glorifies God

The short phrase, “When Judas had left them,” provides us the timeline of the commandment of love that Jesus gives.  

Moreover, it helps us to appreciate more the depth of Jesus’ love, and the challenging nature of his command.

A short time after Judas had left them, Jesus would give himself up out of love for God the Father and for humanity.

Within a day after Judas had left them, Jesus’ great love would lead him to the cross.

There, his death out of love would glorify God and saves humanity from sins and death.

There, on the cross, Jesus gives us the ultimate example of love.  There, he tells us, “Love one another as I have loved you.”