Cycle B - Year I:  22 March 2015

Fifth Sunday of Lent
(Liturgical color: Violet)

John 12:20-33

To die in order to live!

As we near the end of our Lenten pilgrimage, the readings in this Sunday's liturgy prepare us for the mystery of our Lord's passion and glorification.

In the Gospel narratives, Jesus took the opportunity to bring his disciples to a new and deeper understanding of their faith. He wanted to teach them who He really was and what his mission was about.

Jesus speaks to them about his "hour" of glory, referring to his death and resurrection: "The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified." (Jn 12:23)

Before we go further, let us understand the style of writing by the evangelist John. Bible scholars say that, unlike the Synoptic Gospels, the Gospel written by John does not carry parables. However, he uses similitudes, which function like parables.

Jesus uses the similitude-parable of the grain of wheat to reveal the mystery of his passion and glorification. He told his disciples: "Unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains just a grain of wheat; but if it dies, it produces much fruit." (Jn 12:24)

What do we understand by this teaching?

The grain of wheat is Jesus. We can say that in his earthly life, he is constrained by physical limitations.

But in death and in his resurrection, his life will have a universal dimension; He will effect the salvation of humanity. In other words, by his cross and resurrection, Jesus came to redeem the world from sin, restore human beings to a proper relationship with their heavenly Father and open up the gates of heaven to all who come to know and love Him. Jesus' glory is thus revealed, not only in his resurrection but also in the very act of dying.

For Christians in our generation, Jesus tells us to follow in his path of suffering and resurrection. We must become the seed of grain that dies, the life that loses itself, and the servant who follows. Because Jesus is our very guarantee that other seeds that fall on the ground and die in the name of love, our love for our Lord Jesus, will produce an abundant harvest.

A blessed Sunday to us all. And thank you for a moment with God.

Ad Jesum per Mariam!