21 Mar 2021
It’s for Everyone
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For 21 March 2021, Fifth Sunday of Lent, based on John 12:20–33
Now among those who went up to worship at the festival were some Greeks. They came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, and said to him, ‘Sir, we wish to see Jesus.’ Philip went and told Andrew; then Andrew and Philip went and told Jesus. Jesus answered them, ‘The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. Very truly, I tell you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains just a single grain; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. Those who love their life lose it, and those who hate their life in this world will keep it for eternal life. Whoever serves me must follow me, and where I am, there will my servant be also. Whoever serves me, the Father will honour.
‘Now my soul is troubled. And what should I say—“Father, save me from this hour� No, it is for this reason that I have come to this hour. Father, glorify your name.’ Then a voice came from heaven, ‘I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again.’ The crowd standing there heard it and said that it was thunder. Others said, ‘An angel has spoken to him.’ Jesus answered, ‘This voice has come for your sake, not for mine. Now is the judgement of this world; now the ruler of this world will be driven out. And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.’ He said this to indicate the kind of death he was to die.
Scripture passage from the New Revised Standard Version Bible: Catholic Edition, copyright 1989, 1993, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
21 March 2021 @ 11:39 pm
“wide waiting arms of the Lord†gave me shivers. Thank you, Barbara
22 March 2021 @ 5:48 am
Thank you, Barbara for your insightful and challenging words from the gospel. It does seem it takes a long time to bring down the walls in our lives yet like you, I am hopeful as people really listen to the Word of God, grace works in their lives , one day at a time.
Having been a certified chaplain myself, I have seen this grace transforming people as they surrender to the Lord and heard the words of Jesus, “do not fear for I am with you.†“ I have prepared a place for you.†Blessings on your ministry of chaplaincy and preaching, Brigid
B
22 March 2021 @ 7:41 am
Thank you, Barb, for your thoughtful and challenging words. We need to ponder and act on them in our culture that promotes so much hate.
22 March 2021 @ 10:08 am
Thanks Barbara, for these inspiring words.