This Sunday is the Fifth Sunday of Easter. The gospel reflection for this Sunday is on the book of John 13:31-33a, 34-35. This story occurs after the Last Supper, and Judas has left Jesus and the other disciples to betray Jesus to the Jews.
Gospel Text
The text for this Sunday’s gospel:
“When Judas had left them, Jesus said, “Now is the Son of Man glorified, and God is glorified in him. If God is glorified in him, God will also glorify him in himself, and God will glorify him at once. My children, I will be with you only a little while longer. I give you a new commandment: love one another. As I have loved you, so you also should love one another. This is how all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”
Gospel Reflection
On the surface, this looks like Jesus continuing to teach his disciples at the table, but this reading is packed with tremendous insight and information. Jesus speaks about himself and God being glorified. Jesus is indicating that the events leading to his crucifixion are underway.
Jesus’ use of the word “glorification” has tremendous meaning. As humans, we associate glory with triumph and admiration, but Jesus redefines the term to include suffering and sacrifice. He is telling the disciples that his death is NOT a defeat. His death will reveal God’s mercy and grace and show that true glory is in self-sacrifice for others.
The Unity of God the Father and Jesus
Jesus also speaks to the unity between him and the Father. His self-giving love glorifies God, who in turn glorifies Jesus. He is teaching us that our self-giving love will reflect God’s glory. This is a very different perspective from what we understand and live by today. Our society glorifies the successful person, but Jesus asks us to live a life of self-giving love in service to others, which will glorify God. This is a challenging concept for us living in today’s society, but Jesus says:
“I give you a new commandment: love one another. As I have loved you, so you also should love one another. This is how all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”
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Peace
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