Tuesday of Holy Week

Suggested Readings:

Isaiah 49:1-7

Psalm 71:1-14

1 Corinthians 1:18-31

John 12:20-36

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To witness is an important vocation in John because through witness, the world comes to know the presence of God in Jesus. John the Baptist came as a witness to the light that was coming into the world. In the opening verses of the gospel reading for today some Greeks wish to see Jesus. They approach Philip who in turn takes them to Andrew and together they bring them to meet Jesus. It must be remembered that Philip is the one who brought Nathanael to Jesus (John 1:43-51). It would appear that Philip is one whose witness to Jesus encourages others to seek out the Messiah.

Jesus uses this encounter with the Greeks to discuss his impending death. The plan of God is that the Son must die to redeem humankind. The role of the Son is always that of servant. If one wants to gain eternal life, one must be willing to sacrifice one’s life in this world. This is not an easy matter. Few of us are willing to sacrifice even the most basic of life’s necessities, much less sacrifice our lives for salvation. But this is the requirement. It may not mean physical death. It does, however, mean that we disciple ourselves to Jesus. To disciple oneself to Jesus means that we commit to live our lives as though Jesus were living in us. We all disciple ourselves to someone or something. Where our treasure is, there is where our commitment lies.

Jesus closes this discourse with another reference to himself as the light of the world. “The light is with you for a little longer. Walk while you have the light, so that the darkness may not overtake you. If you walk in the darkness, you do not know where you are going. While you have the light, believe in the light, so that you may become children of light.” (John 12:25-36 italics added)

So . . .you want to meet Jesus. Can I introduce you to him? Is my life such an example of Christ that others see Jesus and want to be like him?