We come at last to the end of the Easter Season! We have entered into and experienced the death and resurrection of Jesus in a newer way this year than ever before. And we have come to believe more deeply in its effects and applications: the powerful presence of the Risen Jesus in the world.
In the first reading we see Paul arriving in Rome – where he lived under house arrest for two years. The Roman government could find no real charges against him – for proclaiming the reality of the Risen Lord – and it was his goal there to convince the Roman Jews that Jesus was and is the true "hope of Israel." Paul could not stop proclaiming the truth once he received it! We too are called to proclaim the truth once we receive and treasure it!
In the gospel passage we see the conclusion of the gospel of John. In it he refers to an encounter that Jesus had with himself and Peter. In effect he reaffirms the special relationship that Jesus and he always had. It was a model of the relationship of love that everyone was supposed to have with everyone else – when Jesus said "Love one another, as I have loved you." We can look at the devotion and loyalty and communion that John had with Jesus – the self-sacrificial service that John was always willing to perform – and see this kind of love. And we are given the hope that we can do the same thing: have an intimate and eternally rewarding relationship with Jesus the Messiah – Jesus the Word of God-Made-Flesh – Jesus Redeemer and Savior! Jesus – Best Friend! – based on truth and love!
The just will gaze on your face, O Lord. As we wait this day for the coming of the Spirit – help us to seek justice, to seek your face and to love and live forever!
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