Fifth Sunday of Easter Homily

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Happy Mother’s Day!
The relationship between a mother and her child gives us unique insight into the very nature of God. God is a community of love constantly seeking to give life and to invite us into the spiral of that love. A number of years ago, two priests and a seminarian sought to give a graphic demonstration of this Trinitarian life before an audience of grade school students. The older priest (the Father) and the younger priest (the Son) pushed the seminarian (the Spirit) back and forth between one another and then thrust the seminarian into the crowd of students. When we used to gather in great numbers at athletic events, on occasion people would carry a sign that simply said: “John 3:16.”
 
“For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life.”
 
St. Paul was so enamored of the mystery of the “Word-made-flesh” that he said to the people of Galatia that through baptism they truly were “adopted” children of God:

“So you are no longer a slave but a child, and if a child then also an heir, through God.”
(Galatinas 4:7)
 
Centuries later, St. Hilary reflected on this mystery of being invited to share the very life of God in these words:
 
“This is why we are all one, because the Father is in Christ, and Christ is in us. He is in us through his flesh and we are in him. With him we form a unity which is in God.”
 
Isn’t this the “Good News” that the “Mother of God” consistently proclaims in all the places where there have been apparitions? Isn’t this also the message “Holy Mother Church” echoes every evening when we pray Mary’s canticle – the “Magnificat?”

We need this message of hope now more than ever! Today’s gospel is taken from the beginning of the “Farewell Discourse” of Jesus from the Gospel of John, chapters 14-17. They had just celebrated the “Last Supper.” Jesus had washed their feet and had invited them to pray in the Garden of Gethsemani. Obviously, they were distraught; but he wanted to remind them that his departure was necessary so that he might “prepare a place” for them. Thomas’ inquiry led to Jesus’ proclamation that he is the “Way” – a name with which early Christians identified themselves. I am fascinated, however, by the final verse from the gospel we hear today:

“Whoever believes in me will do the works that I do, and will do greater works than
these, because I am going to the Father.” (John 14:12)
 
Evidence of this truth abounds in the Acts of the Apostles, particularly in the crisis that confronted the early Christian community with regard to their charity. Hebrew and Gentile converts ought to have been treated equally, but prejudice often creeps into human behavior, even in our own day. The solution to the overwhelming needs of these poor widows was the creation of deacons – a word whose root meaning is “servant.” St. Peter reminds the early community and us that we are “living stones” – “a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people of his own, so that you may announce the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” (1 Peter 2, 9) This proclamation is done more by deed than by word. A week ago, we learned of a tragedy that shakes us all, but particularly those who are mothers. A young child suddenly was killed by a falling branch while enjoying a hike with family and friends. Words do not suffice to quell the grief and anger and sheer shock that emerge; yet, a community of love, rooted in the love of the Trinity, can share the pain and prayer and be a “presence” even in our “isolation.” I am reminded of a mother who told a group of us about her child that was also taken at a very young age. The photograph of the child now resides on the mantle in their living room. At prayer time, the parents and other children place petitions in front of the photo with the confidence that their “saint” takes these prayers to God. I am reminded of another mother through whom we all continue to implore her Son:

“Remember, most gracious Virgin Mary, that
never was it known that anyone who fled
to your protection, implored your help, or
sought your intercession was left unaided.
Inspired by this confidence, I fly to you,
O Virgin of virgins, my mother. To you
I come, before you I stand, sinful and sorrowful,
O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise
not my petitions, but in your mercy, hear
and answer me.”

Yours in Christ,
Fr. Bill Foley