Homily for the Fifth Sunday of Easter - May 14, 2017

Homily for May 14, 2017

Fifth Sunday of Easter

Way, Truth, Life

 

            Why does it seem like many people turn to Christ only when they are in desperate need? Life’s going along just fine, but then a crisis strikes – loss of a job, illness, death of a loved one – and all of a sudden we show up in Church on our knees? A dear friend of mine, a devout Catholic, was like that. He went to church every week but, by his own admission, his faith didn’t make any real difference in his life. But then – his wife asked for a divorce, and as a result of the divorce, he started drinking and became an alcoholic. Finally when he had hit rock bottom, he turned to Christ Jesus through AA and is now one of the most passionate, Christ-like people I know. But it took a crisis!

            I think the reason why many people only turn to Jesus when they need Him is precisely that – they think they only need Him in times of difficulty! What a far cry from a true Christian, who recognizes that they need God at every minute of every day! Jesus is far more than an add-on to life. He IS Life Itself. He is far more than just one more truth to believe – He IS Truth Itself. He is not one of many ways to live our lives – He is THE Way.

            One might even say that the difference between a saint and a mediocre Christian is that for many Christians, Jesus is a part of life. For a saint, Jesus IS life. Which one is more true for you? Is Jesus a part of your life, or is Jesus your life?

            We’ve all had the experience, I’m sure, of tinkering with a piece of electronic equipment that just won’t work. Perhaps it’s a toaster or a computer, but we try and try to turn knobs and buttons, try different settings, and get more and more frustrated. Finally, we notice that the device isn’t plugged in! Once it is connected to a power source, it roars to life.

            This is much like our lives. If we are disconnected from Jesus Christ, from the divine life of grace that He offers through His Word, His Sacraments, and daily prayer, then our lives do not function well. Yes, we might live and breathe and walk around, but isn’t life about more than just getting by? Isn’t life more than just taking up space and biding our time until we die?

            Life is about union with God. Ultimately we seek union with God in Heaven, and here on earth we seek union with Him here, too. Jesus makes it clear that it is only through faith in Him that we see the Father. If we want to be close to God, if we want to be saved, we must do so through Jesus Christ! Mohammed doesn’t save; Buddha doesn’t save; science doesn’t save; our bank account won’t save; our own good works do not save us; only a living faith in Jesus Christ, lived out in true charity can save us and bring us into friendship with the Father.

            How do we reach the Father through Jesus? I propose two ways.

            First, we get to know Jesus through the Scriptures and the Eucharist. St. Jerome said that “Ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ.” By getting to know Jesus’ words and deeds, He reveals to us the Father. For example, let’s say that someone has had the misfortune of falling into sin. They feel guilty – they wonder if God can forgive them. All they need to do is open up the Bible and see how Jesus treats sinners. He eats with them, and He tells them that “He came, not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” All of a sudden, the person who had been feeling so ashamed a moment before discovers God’s mercy and hope of forgiveness! They hasten to confession to unburden themselves, knowing that God’s mercy is endless!

            Second, we imitate Jesus’ virtues. Do you have someone in your life who is a great example of virtue? My dad is a perfect example of patience. He rarely gets mad, even when inconvenienced. But while many people excel in some virtues, Jesus is the perfect example of EVERY virtue. He is infinitely kind, patient, courageous, just, pure, full of self-sacrificing love. We look to Him as our model, and we discover the heart of the Father.

            My friends, if we wish to know God, we must make Jesus our Life. Not just part of our lives, but our entire lives – living our lives in union with Him and in imitation with Him. Only then will we be saved; only then will we know the Father.