in Ordinary Time

Father's Day

Ordinary Time

Corpus Christi Sunday

Sancta Trinitas

John 20:19-23

John 17:11b-19

John 15:9-17

The Gospel passages for Thursday and Friday of the fifth week of Easter are revisited. Keeping Jesus’ commandment to love one another as he loves us and having an understanding about sacrificial love is critical to the life of a disciple in Jesus time, in John’s time, and today.

I love you, Lord, and I love my neighbor…most of the time, but not all of the time. I am trying. Please bless my efforts and show me the way.

John 15: 1-8

This Gospel passage takes the reader to the multiple allegorical references from the Old Testament to Israel being Yahweh’s vine. John has Christianized the allegory for his readers at that time and now. Jesus is the vine and his disciples are the branches. It is notable that the word “remain” is repeated eight times in these few verses, stressing that it is vital to remain in a loving and lasting relationship with Jesus Christ.

John 10:11-18

Jesus uses the metaphor of shepherd and sheep, well known in the Old Testament. Jesus explains that he is like the shepherd who will sacrifice himself for his sheep, standing in contrast to those who would abandon the flock at the hint of danger. In the name of the Father, Jesus offers himself totally and lovingly.

I am assured by your words and by your actions that you will never abandon me. If I become lost, you will find me. If I wander off, you will come after me.