Chew for a Bit on the Glory of God
A Reflection for the Fifth Sunday in Lent, Year B
Brent Smith, Director of Adult Faith Formation & Evangelization
Leading up to Christ’s final visit to Jerusalem for the celebration of Passover, our Lord made a name for himself. Drawing the curiosity of people marginalized or among high society, Christ lived magnanimously for humanity’s redemption. Along with the generosity of his spirit, the abundance of mercy which marked his life drew everyone’s attention.
The Gospel for this Sunday features Greek Jews in pursuit of Christ. On their behalf, the apostles Philip and Andrew inform him of his curious admirers. Rather than immediately welcoming the Greeks for a conversation, Christ decides to share with his apostles some food for thought – insights into the fulfillment of Christian discipleship.
Connecting all of Christ’s thoughts is the way to eternal glory, illustrated by the image of a grain of wheat dying so to produce “much fruit” (John 12:24). A compost pile or an undisturbed forest floor communicates this imagery well. Christ then turns to the extreme emotions of love and hatred. His words may lead us to wonder, “Do I care more about comfort and success, or heartfelt service and compassion?”
A rhetorical statement from Christ marks another insight into the way to glory, “… should I say, ‘Father, save me from this hour?’ But it was for this purpose that I came…” (v.27). God the Father responds with somewhat enigmatic words about glorifying his sacred name, both in the past and in the future. Christ then responds with more mystery, mentioning the exile of the Devil, “the ruler of this world will be driven out” (v.31) and Christ’s own exaltation, “lifted up from the earth” (v.32). John the evangelist – the Gospel’s author – is kind enough to indicate the meaning behind the last-mentioned verse.
Through this passage, we are reminded of Christ’s coming passion and death. May we hear these words as thunder and see them as lightning, so our spirits and hearts will receive this Gospel with sobering devotion and generous love.
Be merciful to me, O God, because of your constant love. Because of your great mercy wipe away my sins! (Ps.51:1; GNT).
Painting by James Tissot, "The Gentiles Ask to See Jesus" (c.1890, Palestine)