P ♰ C

by Jean Allen

The Gospel this week takes place immediately after the Last Supper. At the end of this text, Jesus says, “Very truly, I tell you, the one who believes in me will also do the works that I do and, in fact, will do greater works than these, because I am going to the Father.” What works was Jesus talking about?

Loving his disciples’ and becoming a servant to wash their feet. 

You see, for Jesus, the miracles he performed, like raising people from the dead, making the blind to see and the lame to walk, were simply signs to the people of ‘God with us’ but the works that he did, the works that really signified who he was and what was in the heart of the Father, were the ways he loved his disciples and all the people he met along the way. His works were the amazing instances complete acceptance, of total forgiveness and of the compassionate love he poured out as well as having absolute faith in his Father. These are the works we are called to do that should be equal to or greater than what Jesus did. He was so sure that his disciples – and we – would continue to do what he had exemplified in his lifetime. 

Our Christian walk should not be complicated, just filled with rules and rituals. These things can be helpful but they should not be mistaken for the works we are called to do. We can attend Mass daily and be diligent in our prayers but still hold a ‘justified’ grudge against someone or something. We can serve on committees and be active in a ministry but allow our hearts to continually focus on the negative while feeling that our negativity is simply right judgement. Jesus was surrounded by negative circumstances and had many opportunities to hold a grudge, but he didn’t focus on the negative or nurse grudges. He accomplished his works of trusting in God, loving his people and making forgiveness his Way, his Truth and his Life. 

Can we do any less?