Throughout the Easter Octave, last weak, we read the
different accounts of Jesus' resurrection and his appearances to his disciples
from the four different Gospels.
For the rest of the Easter Season, we’ll be reading predominately
from the Gospel of John—the discussion with Nicodemus this week from chapter 3,
the miracle of the multiplication and the great Bread of Life discourse next
week, and then his teachings about the Holy Spirit up until Pentecost.
Why are we reading predominately from John? The Gospel of
John was the last of the Gospels to be written, nearly 60 years after Jesus'
death and resurrection. By then, some of
the apostles had already been martyred—including St. Peter and St. Paul.
Writing a whole generation after St. Mark, it seems that St. John is writing
his Gospel for people already familiar with the other Gospels—even for those
who are already baptized. So it is
fitting that we read through John's Gospel primarily after Easter, after
Baptisms are celebrated.
It's sometimes said that where Matthew, Mark, and Luke reveal
the flesh and bones of Jesus, St. John reveals His Spirit—His Heart, after all
it was written by the one who laid his head near the heart of Jesus at the last
supper. Even those who are familiar with Jesus, us Veteran Catholics, need to
recline our ears, like St. John, near the heart of Jesus, to grow in love of
him and to hear his love for us.
Later this evening, I will meet with the newly baptized for
the first time since the Easter Vigil.
We'll engage in a practice that goes back to the early Church called
“mystagogy.” Mystagogy means
“interpretation of the mystery”. In
mystagogy we reflect upon, the experience of meeting Jesus in the Easter
Sacraments. What was it like to meet Jesus in the spiritual rebirth of baptism?
What was it like to have him anoint you in the Sacrament of Confirmation? What
was it like to meet him for the first time in Holy Communion?
Easter marks the beginning of Christian life for the
neophytes. But Easter is meant to be a new beginning for every Catholic. You
may ask yourself, or better yet, sit down with another veteran Catholic to
reflect upon your faith: what signs, symbols, and rituals continue to resonate
with you? What scripture passage is most
challenging to you right now? Which is most inspiring? What have you heard,
listening to the heart of Jesus throughout the Triduum? To borrow a phrase from
today’s Gospel, where is the wind of the Holy Spirit blowing right now? Where
is the Lord leading you to more courageously live out the promises of your
baptism? Practically, what does Christian renewal entail for you? In your
engagement in the life of the church, in the life of our parish?
May that same Holy Spirit continue to lead us along the paths
of Christ to a deeper faith, hope, and love in God's service for the Glory of
God and salvation of souls.
- - - - - - -
Filled with Paschal joy, let us turn earnestly to God, to
graciously hear our prayers and supplications.
For the shepherds of our souls, that they may have the
strength to govern wisely the flock entrusted to them by the Good Shepherd.
For the whole world, that it may truly know the peace of the
Risen Christ.
For our parish, that we may bear witness with great
confidence to the Resurrection of Christ.
For our brothers and sisters who suffer, that their sorrow
may be turned to gladness through the Christian faith.
That all of our beloved dead and all the souls in purgatory
may come to the glory of the Resurrection.
O God, you know that our life in this present age is subject
to suffering and need, hear the desires of those who cry to you and receive the
prayers of those who believe in you. Through Christ our lord.
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