Jesus’ actions are both a gift and a mission for those who follow Him
John 3:16: We used to see those numbers displayed at almost every sport event or public gathering, although it is not as prevalent as it once was. Perhaps the displays were just a fad. Because we hear that passage in the Gospel for the feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, I would like to revisit that popular notion and make sure that we’re hearing both sides of the message and not just one.
It is so simple and uncomplicated to hear that God sent Jesus to save us; we might be tempted to rejoice in the gift of salvation without also taking the responsibility that comes with it. Of course we want to celebrate that gift, because it is the gift that ultimately sets us free. Our own good deeds are not what save us. Following all the commandments is not what saves us. The corporal and spiritual works of mercy are not what save us. Praying and fasting are not what save us. All of those practices ought to flow out of the gift that we’ve been given. If we have been loved so deeply and eternally, why wouldn’t we freely give of ourselves to others? I think we all know the answer to that, and it’s why we don’t hear the second half of this message from John 3:16.
We all remember the various phases of the Last Supper. Bread was broken, the cup was shared and Jesus gave us the gift of His real presence with us. At that same dinner, He took off His outer garment, wrapped a towel around His waist and took up the basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet. Even though they protested and thought it was inappropriate for a rabbi to do that, He did it anyway. We hear that He is trying to teach them a lesson through this experience. “What I have done, you must do.” The gift of Jesus in our lives doesn’t just free us, but it is also gives us the mission for our lives. Among that group of people whose feet Jesus washed, there was a betrayer and the rest who fled when things got difficult. He washed their feet; there was no exclusion in his generosity and compassion.
As we exalt the cross of Jesus Christ this weekend, let us embrace the whole message of the cross and not just one convenient part of it. There are betrayers and those who have abandoned us among our family, friends and in the community at large. We’ve all experience that in family, in government, in the Church and in our places of work. It breaks our heart when it happens and we are tempted to become cynical, bitter, revengeful or even sometimes choose to isolate ourselves. The fact that Jesus went to the cross and died for all, without exclusion, should be the criteria out of which we live our mission.
We don’t see a lot of examples of people among us who are exulting the cross and living the mission of Jesus in that way. In fact, it feels like swimming upstream to love our enemies, to welcome strangers, to share with those who have nothing to give us in return and to forgive sinners readily. Instead, we experience divisions, mistrust, hatred and violence. We can look at the big picture and become discouraged, or we can look at our own lives and make a choice to live our mission clearly. We need to do what we can, as we can, to make sure that we are carrying the cross as Jesus did. We may feel like we’re alone when we start doing this, but just know that love attracts love. There will be some who see what we do, join us in the mission and in that way, give glory to God. What better way is there to spend our lives!
Father Donald Wester is retired and serves as lecturer of homiletics at Kenrick-Glennon Seminary.
