RBWords

     The gospel scripture for this entire week is taken from the "Last Supper discourse" in which Jesus is preparing his disciples for what is about to come.  It is the bane of many preachers because there is no apparent organization to the material.  The evangelist appears to have gathered a number of speeches made on more than one occasion.  Nevertheless, there are wonderful moments in this discourse, which the lectionary captures and which are rich in their meaning and implications for us.  Today's selection is no exception.

     Today it is Jude's turn to serve as the "foil" (just as Thomas and Philip) for Jesus' statements.  Jesus promises that he and his Father will reveal themselves to anyone who loves them, and they will come and "make [their] dwelling with him."  One may hear an echo of the "Prologue" here, "The Word was made flesh and dwelled among us."  In this case, however, it is an interior presence and a sharing in the very life of the Trinity. (Care needs to be taken not to read subsequent trinitarian reflection into the text, however.)  This "indwelling" begins with the act of faith in Jesus as the one whom God has sent.  This is what makes faith such a powerful reality.  We are joined to God in that act!  Our brothers and sisters of the Eastern church speak of "divinization" in describing this union.  

     Our journey through the Last Supper Discourse will demand patience from us but the rewards will be great.  Stay tuned!  AMEN