5th Sunday of Lent
Holy Week is still a week away, but we can already feel the darkness closing in on Jesus. The gospel passage we’ve read today tells us that, as Passover was drawing near, Jerusalem was filling up with pilgrims. Some were Jews of Greek origin. They were probably converts. They had heard about Jesus, the teacher, the healer, the exorcist. He was the talk of the town. While some people believed he might be the Messiah, others considered him a religious radical and feared he might incite a rebellion.
Some Greeks asked to see Jesus. Philip consulted with Andrew, and the two introduced them to Jesus, who had no time for polite chit-chat. He immediately brought them into his reality. “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified.” What a powerful statement! Was he announcing that he was the Messiah and Israel’s long-awaited Golden Age was about to begin? He continued.
“Unless a grain of wheat falls to the earth and dies, it remains just a grain of wheat; but if it dies, it produces much fruit.” “Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will preserve it for eternal life.” Not a very upbeat message! They didn’t know what to make of it. But suddenly, they all heard it: a voice as loud as thunder came from the sky. It spoke of glory.
He ended the “conversation” with a prophecy. “Now is the time of judgment on this world; now, the ruler of this world will be driven out. And when I am lifted up from the earth, I will draw everyone to myself.”
These words Jesus spoke to the Greeks are spoken to us today. In a few days, we’ll enter Jesus’ darkest hour. We’ll see him lifted up. We’ll witness his death. We’ll kneel in silent awe, hoping for the grain to sprout. Where do we go from here…
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, you told us: “The light will be among you only a little while. Walk while you have the light so the darkness may not overcome you. Whoever walks in the dark does not know where he is going. While you have the light, believe in the light so that you may become children of the light.” Lord, help us to believe. Help us become children of the light.
