Fifth Sunday of Lent

Dear Parishioners,

     The last half of Lent, we begin to read exclusively from the Gospel of John.  John has a high Christology that emphasizes the divinity of Jesus.  The Johannine Jesus is not driven by the forces around him, but the Jesus we meet in this Gospel seems to orchestrate his own demise. He is in control. 

     Jesus, in the Gospel of John, speaks of his hour.  What is this hour?  What Jesus is alluding to is the hour of his passion, death and resurrection.  He knows what his mission is.  God’s plan is for Jesus to die on the cross.

     Somehow all of this is a reminder, a reminder for Christians.  At a certain time, our personal passion will come.  And that is our hour.  We do not look forward to our hour, but at some point, it will arrive.  Our passion can start at any time in life.  We may find that we do not have a choice in what we struggle with.  Or, we might find that certain life decisions may lead to the cross. When we choose to do the right thing many times it brings us face to face with spiritual darkness. 

     Jesus knows what we are going through because he chose to follow the path of righteousness.  He represents every oppressed person who has ever lived.  All we can do is be faithful in the face of trial.  If we exhibit courage, steadfastness, hope, then the victory is ours.

     Jesus shows us the way.  We listen to his story these last days of Lent. We draw inspiration that helps us as we make our way. 

Blessings,

Fr. Mark