Reflections

There are very few parables in the Gospel According to John like those we encounter in the other three gospel portraits of Jesus. The parables of the Good Shepherd (Chapter 10), the Seed (Chapter 12) and the Vine and the Branches (Chapter 15) are the closest things to a parable that we find in John. But their very scarcity makes them all the more worthy of attention. The Good Shepherd and Vine/Branches images emphasize the importance of the relationship between Jesus and the person of faith. Last Sunday, "Good Shepherd Sunday," the image of the relationship between a good shepherd and the flock was presented. Today, the image of the vine and branches is featured.

Our world tells us that suffering should be eradicated. Our nature prompts us to avoid it at all costs! But faith offers a different perspective. St. Catherine knew that in order to be like Christ, we should think and desire with Him. Out of love for us, Jesus embraced His Cross, and so redeemed the world. Jesus wedded suffering to love, and through it opened the path to salvation.

It comes as no surprise to anyone these days that our political climate is rife with conflict, controversy and downright animosity towards those with whom we disagree. Some would prefer to live their lives engaging only with those who share or take for granted their own views and bias. Sadly enough, such tension can also be experienced within the Church itself. Conflicts arise because of our differing perspectives on tradition and authority but also because of culture, language and custom.

When we sin, we deny the Holy and Righteous One. At times we do this willingly; that is when we commit a mortal sin. But we may also act out of ignorance. In both cases, we still need God’s forgiveness. Peter and John are addressing their communities, not to shame them, but to bring them to the light of the Lord’s face by repentance and by living the Commandments.

“Seeing is believing!” As a people of faith, we believe even though we do not see.  The Risen Lord revealed the glory of his resurrection to his disciples over a period.  Even after they saw the empty tomb and heard the reports of Jesus’ appearances, their faith was weak. Once Jesus appeared to them, He showed them the wounds of His passion.  He told them to “see’ and “believe”. 

Jesus, in today’s gospel, commissioned the Apostles to “Go into the world and proclaim the Gospel to every creature.” In the Acts of the Apostles, they tell the Sanhedrin that it would be impossible for them not to speak about what they have seen. Just as Jesus commissioned the Apostles, He has commissioned us to share the Good News of the Resurrection to everyone around us. After we have seen and heard all Jesus has done for us, how could we not share the Good News with others?