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Fr. Bob's Crook & Quill

Be An Apostle

I always enjoy the season of Easter and experiencing the retelling of God’s call to us and the example of Jesus. I also enjoy the season of Pentecost and this year the Gospel readings are from Luke and give us some valuable teachings too. The last few sermons I have preached have revealed how God often speaks to the hearts of others. Several have affirmed this and hopefully if nothing more you have been given some food for thought.

We read a lot of John’s Gospel during Eastertide, and again, the following verses from John are foundational for us to function as ‘true Christians.” In John 13, Jesus is being a servant and washing the disciples’ feet: “So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have set you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you. Very truly, I tell you, servants are not greater than their master, nor are messengers greater than the one who sent them. If you know these things, you are blessed if you do them” (Jn 13:14-17).

We also read in the Gospel of John: “I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another” (Jn 13:34-35).

The readings from the Gospel of John during the season of Easter and the Gospel of Luke this year during the Pentecost season, give us an opportunity to examine our response to Jesus. These verses from John in particular are part of a continuing call to us for discipleship and ministry. These passages also serve as a reminder of the mission and ministry of Jesus—love and reconciliation, and are part of Jesus’ instructions to us on how to carry forward his ministry to the world after his departure.

Is it difficult to place yourself in the role of a servant? For some it is ever so convenient and comfortable to be the one with power and authority, the one in-charge. There is no risk of vulnerability. There may exist for these individuals fear in letting go of power and prestige and thus being perceived as weak. Often, too, there are issues of self centeredness—an undesirable quality or characteristic. There is honor is serving and it is in serving that we glorify our Father in heaven. One must possess great inner strength and confidence to humbly serve others.

As I look at various events and institutions throughout our world, I see so much violence, hate, oppression, poverty, abuse, corruption, self-centeredness, humiliation and pain that I begin to understand the frustration and challenges surrounding ‘doing God’s work and continuing Jesus’ ministry.’ At times, maybe you too get frustrated and overwhelmed by the task at hand. However, I see all too clearly the necessity for continuing Christ’s mission and the necessity to persevere. We can be effective apostles if we incorporate into our life Jesus’ words above from John’s Gospel.

Serving and loving others as Jesus loves us challenges us to move past condemnation and mere tolerance of other individuals to full acceptance. Each of us is sinful, yet loved in spite of our sinfulness. If we refuse to love others and do not acknowledge our own sin, we risk placing our judgment over and above that of God.

It is not always easy to love others as Jesus loves us. It is not always easy to be in unity with each other as Jesus and the Father are one. It is not always easy to be in a position of leadership and authority and be a servant unto others. It is not always easy, but it is possible and Jesus stressed the necessity and importance of these things.

Let us walk in love as Christ loves us.

Fr. Bob +