Focus on the readings: Nicodemus, a member of the ruling elite of the Jewish people, wants to believe in Jesus but is afraid to do so publicly, so he comes to Jesus at night (John 3:2). Darkness and night are often used in John as symbols of an inability to accept the truth of who Jesus is, but still Nicodemus is drawn. He is open to the truth but fears the consequences.
Despite the promise of Jesus that He would not leave His disciples ‘orphaned’ (see Sixth Sunday of Easter), they huddle in fear in the upper room after his death. He comes among them, not offering recriminations at their lack of faith, but offering peace — a peace won through the cross and resurrection.
The feast of the Ascension celebrates the physical separation of Jesus from the human story, but this text promises his continual presence ‘to the end of time’. After three years of living, working and praying with the disciples, Jesus commissions them to continue his work in the world.
Focus on the Readings… Today’s Gospel alerts the disciples to that time when Jesus will no longer be with them. His departure will be a severe challenge to their faith, and Jesus gives voice to the challenge: ‘If you love me you will keep my commandments.’
Focus on the readings… Today’s gospel draws our attention to the time when Jesus will depart from the disciples (the Ascension is two weeks away). When Jesus is gone, the disciples must continue the task that he has begun.
Focus on the Readings… In the Gospel of John, we do not find parables in the traditional sense. They are not a literary device that John employs, but this text is as close an approximation to a parable as we have. The contrast he draws between the shepherd who enters the fold by the gate and the thieves and brigands who seek to enter another way is really about leadership.
Focus on the Readings… Much of Luke’s Gospel is taken up by the account of Jesus’ journey to Jerusalem to the cross. In this gospel, the two disciples have turned their backs on that event and are journeying away from the salvation that was won by Jesus there. All they can see is the confusion and disappointment of their failed hopes and expectations. They thought that Jesus was the Messiah, but he died an ignoble death on the cross!
Focus on the Readings… This gospel is one of transformation. The fear of the disciples, locked in their upper room and huddled in upon themselves, is transformed by the gift of peace that Jesus brings and his giving of the Spirit to strengthen them on their way.
Focus on the Readings… The Easter message, this truly great news, is timelessly true, and so it is still a message for here and now. We can identify with each person in the story told by St John today.
Focus on the Readings… The long reading of Matthew’s account of the Lord’s Passion is presented as a series of alternating scenes in which the disciples fail while Jesus commits himself both to them and to the Father. The betrayal by Judas, the disciples fleeing at his arrest and Peter’s denial all highlight a sinful humanity and imperfect faith.