March 28th Reflection by Bill Lynch

John 12:34-50 (NRSV)
God gives eternal life

The crowd answered him, "We have heard from the law that the Messiah remains forever. How can you say that the Son of Man must be lifted up? Who is this Son of Man?" Jesus said to them, "The light is with you for a little longer. Walk while you have the light, so that the darkness may not overtake you. If you walk in the darkness, you do not know where you are going. While you have the light, believe in the light, so that you may become children of light."

After Jesus had said this, he departed and hid from them. Although he had performed so many signs in their presence, they did not believe in him. This was to fulfill the word spoken by the prophet Isaiah:
"Lord, who has believed our message,
and to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?"
And so they could not believe, because Isaiah also said,
"He has blinded their eyes
and hardened their heart,
so that they might not look with their eyes,
and understand with their heart and turn
and I would heal them."

Isaiah said this because he saw his glory and spoke about him. Nevertheless many, even of the authorities, believed in him. But because of the Pharisees they did not confess it, for fear that they would be put out of the synagogue; for they loved human glory more than the glory that comes from God.

Then Jesus cried aloud: "Whoever believes in me believes not in me but in him who sent me. And whoever sees me sees him who sent me. I have come as light into the world, so that everyone who believes in me should not remain in the darkness. I do not judge anyone who hears my words and does not keep them, for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world. The one who rejects me and does not receive my word has a judge; on the last day the word that I have spoken will serve as judge, for I have not spoken on my own, but the Father who sent me has himself given me a commandment about what to say and what to speak. And I know that his commandment is eternal life. What I speak, therefore, I speak just as the Father has told me."

Reflection
Jesus spoke to the people about the light that he provided. Then Jesus went off. The Light was still present in Jesus' teachings and word. The Light is present for us this day. We can see Jesus in the Word given to us through Baptism and the sacraments. The Word springs to life and brings Light into our world and our lives. Jesus becomes present with us and we feed from him. The Holy Spirit comes to us and gives us understanding, gives us our call, gathers and enlightens us so that we joyfully serve in the Kingdom.

Jesus purpose in this passage was to save all creation and lead us to everlasting life in his actions. Jesus demonstrates a love of substitution for our lives of sin. Jesus is preparing for this gracious act of love.

Prayer
Lord, as I see your Light and am taught the Word, I give thanks to you. May I live my life in response to what you have done that my life may please you... today... tomorrow... and forever. --- Amen