RBWords

     The Farewell Discourse exhibition has reopened and we pick up our reflections on the work of the artist, John the Evangelist.  Two "paintings" are presented to us which are related to each other.  The first is the reminder of the "Advocate" who will come after Jesus' death and resurrection [his "glorification"].  This promise of the "Spirit of truth" is meant to comfort the disciples then and now and to prepare them for what is to come.  That is the subject of the second painting.  Before we leave the first one, however, we might feel an "echo" in the words, "from the beginning."  It is faint, but if we go back to the "Prologue" of the evangelist's entire gospel, we find the words, "In the beginning....."  Our relationship to Jesus may be more profound that we realize!

 

     The second painting is a somber one.  It's relationship to the first is revealed in the words: "I have told you this so that you may not fall away."  By the time the gospel was composed [90-110 AD], the Christian community had already experienced persecution from religious and secular authorities alike!  To remain faithful in the face of persecution is very difficult unless one is assured and confident.  The "Spirit of truth" is the one who brings assurance and confidence.  Jesus warns of expulsion from the synagogues and that some will think they're doing God a favor by getting rid of Christians!  [Just look at the example of St. Paul before his conversion!]  That terrifying belief lies at the root of so much religious violence!  A prayer might be said to all who suffer as a result of religiously motivated violence before we move on!   AMEN