Monday of the Fifth Week of Easter
In yesterday’s reflection on the Fifth Sunday of Easter, we heard Jesus make a remarkable claim: “Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever believes in me will do the works that I do, and will do greater ones than these.” We explored the remarkable claim by the fact we will do great things, even greater things than Jesus. However, Jesus’ words yesterday and today, make an important point that cannot be ignored: first, “whoever believes in me will do the works I do,” and second, “Whoever loves me will keep my Word.”
For us to do great things, at a minimum, we must believe and keep Jesus’ life and words. The power and summons to great things are not without responsibility: we must obey. This is a harsh reality with which so many of us struggle, to do great things in Jesus’ name means we must let go of our ambitions, desires, and purposes; we must heed his voice: “Whoever has my commandments and observes them is the one who loves me.”
Today’s reflection is deceptively simple: are we obedient to Christ and his Church? Do we participate in that which is right and true? Do we live differently than the world around us? Even the most basic Christian reality, the Ten Commandments, is a call to a radical living that takes a lifetime to master and great courage to continue.
Let us reflect on how we fail at keeping the commands of Jesus and their consequences: as we separate ourselves from Jesus, we separate ourselves from responding fully to the free grace he gives us. Likewise, reflect on how you respond and live a full Christian life and the transformative power it has in your life and the lives around you. Which life gives you more significant meaning, peace, and joy?
Reflection by Fr. Etienne Huard, OSB
Posted in Lenten Resources