Roc Homily for 5th Sunday of Easter 2016

What is your next step in your spiritual life?  Might it have to do with this from today’s gospel:

“Love one another AS I have loved you…”

Jesus’ glorification happened on the cross when he died and handed over the Spirit.  That is, he revealed God.  Jesus revealed that he abides in the Father and the Father in him.  Thus, his death was not a defeat, rather a ‘going to the Father’.  We don’t look at death that way.  Here’s a quote I like to explain that:

Sebastian Moore, OSB:     And so, death, viewed from the standpoint of the ego, has two qualities. It is the victory over meaning as we try to secure it. And it is an isolated event…. Humans have their peculiar version, according to which I manage to get something done and then ‘Death’ triumphs. Thus, the reification of death reflects the illusory centrality of the ego…

As we live well-defended (fearful) each day, it’s really difficult to love AS Jesus loved.

So, what might be your next step?  Blessings! –roc,sj