Fifth Sunday of Lent, Third Scrutiny of the Elect/ Lenten Mass Readings
Also Read: Mass Readings for 17 March 2024 Mass Reading Reflection for 17 March 2024
Gospel: John 12: 20-33
“Sir, we would like to see Jesus.” It was a simple request. They were not looking for a glimpse of a celebrity; they were rather looking forward to meeting with Jesus. There were some Greeks who came to worship at the Jerusalem temple. They were asking to see Jesus when he was little known beyond Judea and Galilee.
“Sir, we would like to see Jesus.” The Greeks then approached the apostle Philip with the request. It is a request echoed even after 20 centuries. There are millions of people wanting to see, feel, and experience Jesus. One of the seekers of Jesus may approach you any day.
They may or may not repeat the same phrase. But if you follow Jesus, you have a responsibility. What Philip does is a model for all of us. He seeks the help of Andrew, and both of them together go up to Jesus with the request. We may feel insufficient to take someone to Jesus. Take the help of other disciples who are willing to help.
The late British evangelist Gypsy Smith once quipped, “There are five Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, and the Christian, but most people never read the first four.” You are the fifth gospel read by so many. It is not only a privilege to be a Christian, but also a responsibility.
The world needs Jesus today much more than all previous ages. It is not the time for slumber for the responsible Christian. Lent is the time to ask ourselves if we are Christian by name or are Christian by deed. If we haven’t taken anybody to Christ by our words or deeds, we require a conversion.
The Greeks, who might have heard of Jesus as they arrived in Jerusalem for the Passover, took an interest in seeking Jesus. They wanted to meet Him, talk to Him, and experience Him. As Christians, we appear to be around Jesus. It is not enough that one appears to be with Jesus. One has to strive to talk to Him, listen to Him, and experience Him. Daily prayer, daily reading of the Bible, and active sacramental life including regular confession and holy communion help us to be in touch with Jesus continuously.
Let us ask Jesus today for a burning desire as that of the Greeks, and ask Jesus Himself, “Lord, I want to see Jesus.” It is a prayer worth repeating, “Lord, I want to see you.”
Amen.
