We choose to be followers

Marcia Shadle Cusic reflects on the texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary and she uses the refrain of the psalm today “Not to us, O Lord, but to your name give the glory” to evoke thanksgiving to God for the interventions she witnesses in the lives of people when they receive attention from others. Friar Jude Winkler suggests that the story of Paul and Barnabas being mistaken for Greek gods after they heal the crippled man is one which would have brought humour and joy to the early Christians as they considered the predicament in which their leaders found themselves. The Gospel today from John is part of the very lengthy Last Supper discourse of Jesus. Friar Jude notes that it may have served the Evangelist as a place in his writing to gather up some of the wisdom and words of Jesus as part of a  “final discourse”. The great choice in the Gospel of John to Love Jesus as One with the Father or to reject His invitation is presented in a tone which Friar Jude detects as like predestination. Wayne Jackson, who has written about Calvinist predestination, provides a review of Scripture on this concept. The Holy Spirit is promised by Jesus as the indwelling Divine Presence which teaches and explains. Our study and practice in living as Christians must resonate with the compassion, forgiveness, patience and self giving of Jesus. The Spirit is our internal guide. Unconditional Love is the healing action which gives glory to God and life to those around us. We choose to follow the Way.