Time of Judgement of this World!

05th Sunday of Lent: March 17, 2024

Readings: Jeremiah 31:31–34; Psalm 51:3–4, 12–13, 14–15; Hebrews 5:7–9; John 12:20–33

 To listen to my audio-video reflections via YouTube, please click here: https://youtu.be/c8TF4_VC_yo

The judgement comes at the end. However, there is a preparation and time for judgment. All that starts well not necessarily must end well. Often a bad starting will have a bad ending. Still, a bad end is not a real end in terms of the life of Jesus. As we inch closer to the final days of Lent where we recount the journey of Jesus namely his passion, death and resurrection, on this fifth Sunday of Lent, the Church invites us to look at the reality of life in its wholeness. What is that making our life meaningful? Where is the ultimate prize for our earthly life? These are the questions, the liturgical readings of this Sunday evoke in us.

1. The desire to see Jesus and the paradox of Christian discipleship

The passage from the Gospel of John 12:20–33 presents a rich ground for spiritual and contextual reflections. The Word of God captures a pivotal moment in Jesus' ministry, namely sacrifice, service, glory, and the paradox of life through death. The passage begins with some Greeks, representing the Gentile world, expressing their desire to see Jesus. There is certainly universal appeal of Jesus' message and his popularity has grown even beyond the Jewish community.  Even the Greeks are longing for something spiritual, to connect with the divine, to find meaning and purpose in life. Jesus seems to be their answer.

Jesus is very paradoxical in his explanation to the questions of the Greeks and his disciples. Jesus speaks about his glorification, the time, the grain of wheat, the death of the grain and so forth. For the Gospel writer St John, the turning point is Jesus' movement towards His crucifixion; it is not a triumphant worldly glory but glory achieved through suffering and death. The divine love carries with it self-giving, sacrifice, and transformation. The Christian discipleship is also a paradox where to truly live means that one must die for oneself. This means letting go of selfish ambitions, pride, and ego, and live a life of service, humility, and love. 

2. The Divine Voice from Heaven and the cost of discipleship

The Word of God also speaks about the voice from heaven affirming a divine endorsement of Jesus' path and mission. There is a genuine interconnectedness between Jesus' actions and the will of the Father, emphasizing the unity of purpose in the divine plan of salvation. When we do things which are meant to bring glory to God must always be sparked by the divine whispers. Divine interventions and affirmations are quint essential to see that whatever we do or seek aligns with God's purpose even though it might be a difficult decision. The forces of evil or darkness exist in this world. But by listening to the voice of God, we can live authentic disciples of our Lord even in the midst of forces of darkness. 

Jesus speaks about the judgment of the world and the driving out the forces of evil. A spiritual battle is often being fought by us both within and around us. Therefore, we need to maintain steadfast faith in the Lord, and an intense certainty that God will grant us the victory. Being disciple of our Lord means remaining strong in our resolve both in times of victory and defeat. Not to give up spirit should be ours when criticisms rain down on us because of jealousy and evil intentions of others. The wicked world can be defeated only by the power of God and our passionate love towards our Lord. Letter to the Hebrews 5:7–9 speaks profoundly that Jesus too in his human life on earth went through tears and temptations, vulnerability and reliance on the Father, anguish and pain, struggles and fears. In fact, Jesus' humanity encourages us to approach Him with our own vulnerabilities, knowing He empathizes with our weaknesses.

3. A new covenant of God with a new heart and vision

We must look at the passage from Jeremiah 31:31–34 which is a biblical prophecy exposing God's redemptive plan and the nature of the covenant. Here we can see the kind of relationship God wants to build with His people of covenant. It is a covenant that is different and in fact, was made with Moses and based on Law. Unlike the Mosaic covenant, which was external and required adherence to a set of rules, the new covenant is characterized by its internal and personal nature. It signifies a radical change in how God relates to His people, moving from a relationship mediated by laws and rituals to one that is direct and heart-centered.

There are a lot of laws and regulations, but only when we integrate them, they become real and build a lasting relationship of peace and harmony. God's law looks for a profound change in human nature, enabling a more natural and spontaneous adherence to God's will. It signifies a personal and intimate knowledge of God, where obedience springs from love and inner conviction rather than fear of punishment. God's new covenant speaks to the inclusivity and universality of the new covenant. It envisions a community where knowledge of God is not restricted to a privileged few but is accessible to everyone, regardless of social or economic status. In other words, God becomes accessible to everyone and we can build a personal and mature relationship with God. So that it can foster a sense of equality and shared dignity among God's people here on earth. May this vision of God be ours today!

Questions for self-reflection

1. How does the concept of dying to oneself to produce much fruit resonate with my current life circumstances? In what areas am I called to let go or sacrifice for the greater good?
2. Reflect on the times I've sought glory and validation. How can I shift my focus towards seeking the glory that comes from God alone?
3. Reflect on Jesus' obedience through suffering. How does this model of obedience challenge or inspire my own relationship with God, especially during difficult times?

Prayer based on Psalm 51

Gracious and Merciful God,

In the quiet of this moment, I come before You, acknowledging my transgressions and my sin that is ever before me. Against You, You only, have I sinned and done what is evil in Your sight. My heart aches with the weight of my choices, and I lay them down at Your feet, seeking Your forgiveness and mercy.

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me away from Your presence or take Your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation and uphold me with a willing spirit, that I may teach transgressors Your ways and sinners may return to You.  Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will declare Your praise.  In Your abundant grace, hear my prayer in the name of Jesus our Lord, Amen.

- Olvin Veigas, SJ

March 15, 2024