Dear Friends:
Today we hear from the Gospel of John 12:20-33. This Gospel is a little confusing as it seems some people, “Greeks,” want to see Jesus. Seems pretty innocent don’t you think? Most likely these are Gentiles; however, the opponents of Jesus are plotting all the time to find a way to discredit him. Jesus, knowing he is getting closer to his passion and death, answers the request by saying: “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. Amen, amen, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains just a grain of wheat; but if it dies, it produces much fruit.”
Jesus, of course, is referencing his death on the cross. When Jesus dies on the cross and rises from the dead he gives us all new life, new light and a new understanding of how much God truly loves us. Jesus is troubled in this Gospel. I think anyone facing crucifixion might feel the same way. Yet Jesus goes on to glorify his Father in heaven and admit this is why he was sent to earth. Jesus will make the ultimate sacrifice of giving his own life so that others may live and be with him in heaven forever.
If we really think about it, we are not asked to do much sacrifice are we? For most of us, fasting is having one good-sized meal and 2 smaller ones during the day. It probably wouldn’t hurt any of us to eat like that. We are also asked to be kind and gentle with other people, especially those who we don’t like.
There are only two weeks left until Easter. There is still time to get ourselves spiritually right with our loving father in heaven. Fasting, prayer, almsgiving and sacrifice are only part of what we need to do. The rest is up to us. May God show us what he wants us to do this Lent and give us the courage to do it.
Peace and All Good!