5th Sunday of Lent, March 21, 2021
The Word, John 12.20-33
The Hour of Jesus’ Glory (excerpts)
23 Jesus answered them, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified.
24 Amen, amen, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains just a grain of wheat; but if it dies, it produces much fruit.
25 Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will preserve it for eternal life.
26 Whoever serves me must follow me, and where I am, there also will my servant be. The Father will honor whoever serves me.
32 And when I am lifted up from the earth, I will draw everyone to myself.”
33 He said this indicating the kind of death he would die.
A REFLECTION
Our gospel story today is a jump almost three years from our story of last week when Jesus and Nicodemus spoke in the evening. Since that time Jesus and his disciples had spent much effort preaching and healing and forgiving throughout Galilee and Judea.
The background of today’s story is that Jesus went up to Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover. But before going there as we will hear at the end of the week, he joined Lazarus and his two sisters, Martha and Mary, for a special dinner. It was at that time that Mary would anoint the feet of Jesus.
After Jesus’ joyful entrance into Jerusalem, he spent much time in the temple precincts talking with the leaders of the Jews and others about his Father and the role that he himself would play that all might be saved. Sadly, his words were not accepted and in fact, rejected and ended with his death in Jerusalem just a few days later.
A Reminder
Prayer time need not be long . Setting aside short but dedicated prayer time -even just 10 minutes each day is already a good practice.
MY PRAYER
- Put yourself in a comfortable quiet position
- Recall God’s presence with you and your presence before God
- Read the passage again – even more than once if so desired
- What grace do you ask for – desire – need – for yourself at this moment
- Feel yourself present – intently listening to Jesus
The Lord’s glory is seen in his death that brings life like the seed that dies (vv. 23 – 24) Lord, help me to understand this in my own life
- A father or mother who gives up their life for the sake of the children (vv. 25-26)
- The soldier who fights the enemy to preserve his home country
- The office mate who gives a personal time to visit or to call s sick friend
- Lord, help me to understand what it means to give of myself even a part of myself for others –
- Help me understand what it means to give myself- for my family and especially those in need
Jesus lifted up – draws all to himself – for new life (vv. 32-33)
Lord Jesus – help me to know and accept the Cross.
Lord Jesus – draw me to yourself !
Father Bill Kreutz, SJ, Loyola House of Studies
