Homily Fifth Thursday of Easter “Why Jesus?”
Homily Fifth Thursday of Easter “Why Jesus?”
One of the ongoing debates in Theological circles is the question of why Jesus came into the world. During the Lenten Easter season this debate is intensified.
We have the explanation that we grew up with which is a statement we have all heard at some point in our Christian life. “Jesus came into the world to die for our sins.” There had to be some sort of reparation. As weak human beings we could not apologize adequately by ourselves. Only God can make recompense to God. Jesus as both a human being and as God could apologize to the Father for the sins of humans.
Now this is an acceptable explanation according to the teaching of the church. But it is not the only explanation. Another reason for Jesus’ Incarnation is given to us in the Gospel that we read at Mass today.
Jesus says over and over in the Gospel of John that the Father and he are one. When Jesus speaks the Father is speaking. Jesus speaks for God because Jesus is God. Statements like this are what got Jesus in trouble with the Jewish religious authorities. It was blasphemy for Jesus to say that his voice was God’s voice.
As Christians we have a different perspective. We believe that Jesus is God. Jesus came into the world to show us what God is really like. Jesus embodies the qualities of God. He is merciful and loving. He is so generous towards others that he is willing to lay down his life to serve humanity. He is the suffering servant that the Prophet Isaiah described.
As Jesus says over and over in the Gospel of John. “The Father and I are one.” We could also include the Holy Spirit. “The Father and the Holy Spirit and I are one.” Knowing Jesus as well as we do this should reassure us as we picture what God is like. We need never doubt God’s love for us because Jesus loved everyone he met, even his enemies.
Reflection Questions:
- As I pray who am more comfortable praying to, the Father, Jesus or the Holy Spirit? Why is that so?
- If Jesus would never have come into the world, what would we think God was like? Would God seem aloof and distant from us?
Dear Parishioners,
One of the decorations in the church for Easter Season is the pool of water in the sanctuary with a fountain in the middle of it. Water is the symbol of the Sacrament of Baptism. Jesus speaks of living water in the Gospel of John. Jesus spoke of this in the 4th chapter when he met the woman at the well. He also spoke of the “living water” in the 7th chapter. The living water reference there is meant to point to the Holy Spirit.
Living water is a reference to moving water. If water sits in glass or jar for days on end it becomes stale and lifeless. It begins to smell bad. Eventually nothing can live in it. Water in a flowing stream is usually cleaner and better to drink. For this reason, we have the fountain near the Baptismal font. The water in the fount is constantly moving. It is the best water to symbolize Baptism.
Hopefully, as we see the water move in the font and we hear it we are reminded of the waters of Baptism. The waters that washed us clean and made us members of the church.
May Our Lady and all the Angels and Saints watch over you today.
Fr. Mark