The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today invite us to meditate on our sense of how we fulfill our role in our relationships with others.
Bridging gaps
The reading from the First Letter of John is an epilogue commenting on prayer for sinners.
* [5:13–21] As children of God we have confidence in prayer because of our intimate relationship with him (1 Jn 5:14–15). In love, we pray (1 Jn 5:16–17) for those who are in sin, but not in deadly sin (literally, “sin unto death”), probably referring to apostasy or activities brought on under the antichrist; cf. Mk 3:29; Heb 6:4–6; 10:26–31. Even in the latter case, however, prayer, while not enjoined, is not forbidden. The letter concludes with a summary of the themes of the letter (1 Jn 5:18–20). There is a sharp antithesis between the children of God and those belonging to the world and to the evil one. The Son reveals the God of truth; Christians dwell in the true God, in his Son, and have eternal life. The final verse (1 Jn 5:21) voices a perennial warning about idols, any type of rival to God.1
Psalm 149 offers praise for God’s Goodness to Israel.
* [Psalm 149] A hymn inviting the people of Israel to celebrate their God in song and festive dance (Ps 149:1–3, 5) because God has chosen them and given them victory (Ps 149:4). The exodus and conquest are the defining acts of Israel; the people must be ready to do again those acts in the future at the divine command (Ps 149:6–9).2
Gospel: In the Gospel of John the relationship between Jesus and John the Baptist is expressed in the final witness of the Baptist.
* [3:22–26] Jesus’ ministry in Judea is only loosely connected with Jn 2:13–3:21; cf. Jn 1:19–36. Perhaps John the Baptist’s further testimony was transposed here to give meaning to “water” in Jn 3:5. Jesus is depicted as baptizing (Jn 3:22); contrast Jn 4:2.3
Mirielle Mason imagines the confidence and self-awareness that John had in order to say he must decrease while Christ must increase. It is easier said than done, of course. Even John was tempted by the crowd. They wanted him to be envious of Jesus baptizing people, but John stood firm and reminded them that he was sent before Christ, not to be Christ.
This is a struggle that we all encounter in different ways in our lives today. It could be beneficial to examine why we do the things we do in work, school, and our community. Are we doing things for the recognition it will bring us, instead of for the betterment of those around us and the greater glory of God? While I’d like to hope that my own answer is not the selfish one, that side of me certainly wins occasionally. Lord, please give me the wisdom to know my role in this world, and the courage to lead others to you.4
Don Schwager quotes “Christ is the husband of the church his bride,” by Ambrose of Milan, 339-397 A.D.
"This means he alone is the husband of the church (John 3:29), he is the expectation of the nations, and the prophets removed their sandals while offering to him a union of nuptial grace. He is the bridegroom; I am the friend of the bridegroom. I rejoice because he is coming, because I hear the nuptial chant, because now we do not hear the harsh penalties for sinners, the harsh torments of the law, but the forgiveness of offenses, the cry of joy, the sound of cheerfulness, the rejoicing of the nuptial feast." (excerpt from ON THE PATRIARCHS 4.22)5
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Friar Jude Winkler notes that the Letter of John positions those who have accepted the heresy of Docetism as belonging to Satan. John the Baptist alludes to Jeremiah’s proclamation about the voice of the bridegroom not being heard. Friar Jude reminds us of the Mandaeans who continue to follow John the Baptist today.
Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, has written about finding ourselves in relationship with God by receiving God’s loving gaze. Contemplative writer and artist Christine Valters Paintner shares a practice that allows us to pass that loving gaze onto others.
Breathe in: I see you with love
Breathe out: gifted, cherished.
Breathe in: Grateful
Breathe out: for who you are.
This can be a very intimate and vulnerable moment because we so rarely spend this kind of time simply looking at another person with love and care.
We can also bring this practice out into the world. How often do we really see another person beneath their role, under our expectations? What if we paused at the grocery store and for a moment brought eyes of love to the stock clerk or the cashier. They don’t have to know what you’re doing. You don’t have to stare, just take in their image, then close your eyes for a moment, breathe, and bathe them with love. Pause and see the other person as beloved and beautiful as they indeed truly are.6
Our role as followers of Christ is to practice humility as we share the love of God with the people on our journey.
References
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