Homily Fourth Monday of Lent (Jn 4:43-53) “A Different Gospel”
Homily Fourth Monday of Lent (Jn 4:43-53) “A Different Gospel”
We move into the second half of Lent today. We begin a prolonged reading of the Gospel of John. John is not one of the synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark and Luke). Synoptic means viewed together. The first three Gospels use a similar outline when they tell the story of Jesus.
The Gospels were put together in a three-step process. The first step is the original words and deeds of Jesus. The second part of the development of the Gospels revolved around the oral tradition. For decades, the Gospels were passed around by the sharing of stories. Finally, in around 60 A.D. or so the Gospel of Mark was written.
Matthew took Mark’s Gospel and expanded on it with material that the author knew about. Luke did the same. The first time I heard this I was kind of appalled. In modern times plagiarism is frowned upon. In ancient times it was not considered questionable at all. Authors were, in a way, edified when their works were copied and recopied.
Another thing that our modern sensitivities are attuned to is that when you copy something, you do it exactly. The truth is that exact copies were not possible until the printing press came along in about the 16th century. Until that time, things were copied by hand and when they were the person doing the copying could add in some of their own material.
The Gospel of John is unique in that it comes from a completely different source. John is the last Gospel written (at the end of the first century). Also, the style is different. John has no parables. John has no Sermon on the Mount. Many of the miracles are different.
The story we read today is not the same as we might read in the synoptic gospels. We might have similar stories, but do they reflect on the same incident? We have no way of knowing.
During the next weeks we are left to ponder and reflect on this unique Gospel with its emphasis on the divinity of Jesus. Jesus is presented as the Son of God who has come to the world to redeem it.
Reflection Questions:
- Which Gospel do I enjoy the most? Why?
- What would we lose if there were only one Gospel instead of four? What do the four Gospels provide for us?
Dear Parishioners,
Fr. Matthew and I got our second COVID shots on Saturday. In a few weeks we should be fairly immune to infection. Fr. Matthew has some lung issues because of having pneumonia years ago so he still must be careful. I feel better about going into hospital and nursing homes and about doing home visits.
We are going to slowly try to resume some of our previous pastoral care activities. Much has happened in the last year and some of our pastoral care ministers have had their own health issues. Hospitals and other facilities will vary in their policies toward visits from ministers. Please be patient with us as we try to feel our way forward.
If you or someone you know needs the Anointing of the Sick, please call. I think that any facility will now let us have access.
May Mary and All the Angels and Saints watch over us today.
Fr. Mark