March 21, 2021 - 5th Sunday in Lent

(Jer 31:31-34; Heb 5:7–9; Jn 12:20–33)

In the first reading this week, Jeremiah tells of a new covenant, written not on stone but in the hearts of God’s people, and a new closeness where all will truly know the Lord. Jesus fulfills this not only through His words but through the model of His very life. He knows fear, pain, and struggle, but He does not allow any of that to turn Him aside from His mission on earth. Today’s Gospel reading takes place just after Jesus has triumphantly entered Jerusalem, so it would seem to be a happy time. The news that some Greeks have asked to see Him gets an unexpectedly somber response. He begins by saying “Now the hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified” but goes on to explain that this glorification will not be the kingly ascension that the crowd is hoping for. He admits to being troubled, struggles with wanting to be spared the coming anguish, but resolves not to use his great power to save Himself, but withhold it to glorify the Father. In response, the voice from Heaven reassures Him, and those with Him, that His actions will bring glory to God. The final, complete repudiation of their Messiah by the Jews will open the door to the covenant for all who will receive it. Not only is the covenant new, but the people who are included are new, too. Jesus promises to “draw everyone to myself.”

• Lent is a time to clear away distractions or earthly attachments and make more time for God. How has your Lenten penance helped you to “clean” your heart and make room for God to work?
• Being a servant is an idea we reject in our culture. But Jesus says clearly that we must become servants. How can we serve God and others today, rather than just fulfilling our own plans?
• “Death to self” is an uncomfortable concept, but is there some area of your life – an old grievance, grudge, prejudice or hurt, perhaps – that needs to ‘die’ in order for something better to grow?