Jesus is the Light of the Nation

 Ish 49:1-6, Jn 13:21-33.36-38. Our Lord’s apparently futile attempt to renew and purify His Jewish people would not end with the crucifixion. Through this loving outpouring of His life, He achieved more than to “raise up the tribes of Jacob and to restore the survivors of Israel.” Its fruit was in John’s account, meant to be, for the sake of people everywhere: “I will draw all people to myself.” The early Church saw in Jesus the fulfilment of Isaiah prophecy of today’s first: “I will give you as a light to the nations, that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth” (Ish 49:6).

In His last Supper story, John interweaves the two strands: apparent failure and ultimate triumph of Jesus Christ. Even among the Twelve, Jesus has to contend with one who will betray Him, another who will deny Him and their general incomprehension of what He wishes to tell them on the eve of His Passion. Yet, the Evangelist is convinced that Jesus faced this supreme trial with a firm hope that through the willing acceptance of the Cross, “God will also glorify him in himself and will glorify him at once.” This is also our hope, as a Christian community gathered around His memory, in loving prayer, this Holy week.

May our Holy week observances and our heightened emphasis on the Lord continue to help us to deepen our relationship with Him and strive to be more faithful to God at all times! Amen!! Have a glorious day!!!