GOSPEL REFLECTION, WEDNESDAY, 4TH WEEK OF EASTER, 29 APRIL 2026, ST CATHERINE OF SIENNA

John 12:44-50.  According to John’s gospel, today’s gospel reading contains the last words of Jesus’ public ministry.  From now on, his gospel says, Jesus taught only the twelve disciples in private.  As his last public teaching, Jesus’ words carry a particular weight, especially as they speak of the judgement which follows turning away from Christ after having followed him.  For us as his contemporary disciples, we must take careful note.

In this gospel reading, which Jesus “cried aloud,” repeats the reality of who he is in relation to the Father, the basis of his whole life and ministry.  To listen to (and really hear) him is to listen to God; to truly see the reality of Jesus is to see God.  In him, through him, we meet God and God meets us.  While Jesus’ cry concerns judgement, we are confronted with a truth that is never far away in John’s gospel: that Jesus did not come into the world to condemn us – he came to SAVE us.  It is an odd thing that when we think of the last judgement we tend to think only of condemnation; that is not Jesus’ teaching.  It is not by the wrath of God that Jesus came into our world, but with GOD’S LOVE.  It is a summary of the fundamental truth in Jesus’ public teaching, a summary of the Good News.  The context in which Jesus gave this last public teaching is that while some people remained committed to him, others had begun to fall away.  Having just spoken to the people of his coming death and resurrection, the Paschal Mystery at the heart of our faith, and of his many signs and miracles, some people remained committed, others decided to leave him.  That is what is before each and every one of us – confronted with the Paschal Mystery, with the events of that first Easter,  and with Jesus’ many signs and miracles, where do WE stand – with him in faith, or do we turn away too?