Tuesday of Holy Week

Readings of the Day

Easter is only days away. Yet, for some of us, the joy of that miraculous day seems very distant. We are overwhelmed by the signs of our times: another unnecessary and unjust war; the pandemic that has ensnared us and will not disappear; Mother Earth’s imperilment and desperate need of our help; and the polarization from the political realm that encroaches into our church life.

We learn from today’s Gospel that “Jesus was deeply troubled.” While looking to Jesus, maybe this is the time to remedy the situation, and bring light to our darkness. We trust that Jesus will be with us. We recall the time when Jesus told his fishermen/disciples who had just returned from a poor fishing night that they should go back out to sea again. He suggested that if they go out into deeper water their fishing efforts would be rewarded. They followed Jesus’ counsel, and that catch was staggering.

In these few remaining days of Lent, perhaps we need to re-examine our values and personal commitments. Lent is a time for serious reflection. Might we venture into deeper water?

Interestingly enough, today’s Gospel reading omits two verses (34-35) from the passage in John’s gospel which might give us food for thought and encourage us:

“Now I give you a new commandment: love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also must love one another. By this, everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

Additionally, in the passage following today’s reading, Jesus tells us, “Do not be troubled; trust in God and trust in me.” Surely, if we focus on loving one another, God will reward us. If we perform our ministries of feeding the hungry, sheltering the homeless, welcoming all of our brothers and sisters, speaking out against violence and war, and continue loving one another as God urged, the darkness will disappear and the light of the resurrection of Jesus will enfold us in joy.  

Stan Fitzgerald is a parishioner at Christ the King Church in Pleasant Hill, CA. He has a long history with Catholic Charities USA, and has been active with local affiliates. He is a member of his parish Faith in Action team, a community BLM group, helps to lead the parish efforts on the Synod, and mentors local Jesuit Volunteers.

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