April 30, 2015

John 13: 16-20

When Jesus had washed the disciples’ feet, he said to them:  “Amen, amen, I say to you, no slave is greater than his master nor any messenger greater than the one who sent him. If you understand this, blessed are you if you do it. I am not speaking of all of you. I know those whom I have chosen. But so that the Scripture might be fulfilled, The one who ate my food has raised his heel against me. From now on I am telling you before it happens, so that when it happens you may believe that I AM.  Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever receives the one I send receives me, and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me.”

New Revised Standard Version, copyright 1989, by the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. USCCB approved http://www.usccb.org/bible/approved-translations

God Never Gives Up

This is a tough reading. Jesus knows that he will be betrayed, but he stays with his apostles even though he know he is facing death. He actually had just completed washing the feet of his apostles even the feet of Judas. My imagination tells me that perhaps Jesus was still hoping against all odds that Judas would remain faithful to him. He did not give up on Judas, Judas gave up on him.

Isn’t that the story of salvation history! God loves us and will never give up on us. Emmanuel, God with us, waits to be received no matter what. How often do I give up on people? How often do I judge someone quickly and finally? Thank God I am not God!

—Moira and Richard Clark are Catholic high school educators in Cleveland, OH. Rich is President of St. Martin dePorres High School, and Moira is Dean of Student Life & Formation at Magnificat High School.

Prayer

Peace is my farewell to you, my peace is my gift to you. I do not give it to you as the world gives peace. Do not be distressed or fearful.

—John 14:27