Sunday Reflections

On Monday, April 28^th, I went into respiratory failure and almost died. I was in ICU for a week and a half and came back home a little worse for wear. I am still in recovery, trying to gain back my strength.  Four days after crashing, I was finally coherent again, albeit tired and a bit dizzy. The whole experience reminded me what Pope St. John XXIII often said, “Keep your bags packed.” My brother in Denver told me that it’s not about the material things in your life, like your possessions, bank account — or even your will.  In the end, it’s about knowing that you have surrounded yourself in love and have given love to those around you.

In this Sunday’s gospel, Jesus knows he is coming to the end of his life and he reminds the apostles about what is important. Love for one another is the key to the whole message of Jesus. Love is what he is trying to pass on from his Father.  God is love, and we are children of that love.  John, in the second reading, tells us that God is home, and we are home to God.  There is no separation.

That is the good news, the revelation of Easter, the mystery in which we are called to abide and live out.  If we can do this, then, indeed, everyone will know that we are disciples of Christ.