Second Sunday of Easter [B]

 

SECOND SUNDAY OF EASTER 

You will find that some Bible passages have a way of explaining themselves. These verses come across as straight-forward. You don’t need any help forming your interpretation. But then you make your way into the First Letter of St. John. Chapter five outlines a series of witnesses; referred to as the Spirit, the Water, and the Blood (5:6-8). Jesus comes to us by way of the Spirit, by way of the Water, and by way of the Blood. Upon consulting the commentaries you discover that scholarly opinion remains divided, regarding this selection. A definitive interpretation has not yet been reached. Generally, however, speculation has leaned in the direction of the Jordan River, with Jesus stepping forward to be baptized.  

If you pray the Rosary, this ranks as the first of the Luminous Mysteries. You know that this mystery centers around the symbol of water. You know also that the Holy Spirit becomes visible in the image of a dove (Matt. 3:16; Mark 1:10). Two of the witnesses are thereby present and accounted for—the Water and the Spirit. The puzzle presented by John the Evangelist is in the process of being solved. And yet, the first Luminous Mystery communicates nothing about the symbol of Blood. How does the blood figure into this larger picture? 

Evidently, we need to expand our focus. We’ve incorporated the First Luminous Mystery; now we might want to extend our way into another set of mysteries—namely, the Sorrowful Mysteries. Blood begins to flow with the very first of the Sorrowful Mysteries: Jesus actually will sweat blood as he prays in the garden (Luke 22:44). He will be subjected to scourging (John 19:1). A crown of thorns will be pressed upon his head (Matt. 27:29). Finally, he will suffer the penalty of crucifixion (Mark 15:24). If that wasn’t enough, a spear is then thrust into his side, producing a stream of both water and blood (John 19:34). 

Therefore, in order to appreciate the point being made in our second reading, it will be necessary to recall both the Baptism of Jesus and also his Passion. He is proclaimed as the Son of God, as he receives his baptism (Matt. 3:17; Mark 1:11). Meanwhile, through the course of his passion he will fulfill his role as the Lamb of God (John 1:29). Typically, we are more drawn to the Son than to the Lamb. As the Son, he’s seated at the right hand of the Father (1st Peter 3:22). He’s positioned in such a way that he can be of use to you. One word from him, and the benefits will soon be sure to follow. But as the Lamb, he’s too busy being sacrificed. It’s hard to see how he can be of any real use to you. Besides, as the Lamb he makes you uncomfortable. If HE’S eligible for suffering, how can you try to pass yourself off as ineligible? 

So you restrict your focus to the healthy Jesus, over and against the unhealthy Jesus. By way of contrast, let’s consider the example of a boy and his visit to a nearby farm. Free puppies are available, according to the posted sign. As he watches the puppies at play, he notices one in particular who’s having difficulty keeping up with the others. It’s smaller in stature and it seems to be limping slightly. Identifying it as the runt of the litter, the farmer recommends that the boy choose one of the other puppies. In turn, the boy rolls up his pant-leg, revealing a metallic brace. He explains: You see, sir, I also have a hard time keeping up. This puppy needs somebody who has the ability to understand. 

Perhaps we need the vulnerable Jesus, just as much as we need the invincible Jesus. Clearly, we need the Sorrowful Mysteries to take their place alongside the Joyful, the Glorious, and the Luminous Mysteries when praying the Rosary. The idea is that you will develop a complete faith by dedicating yourself to the complete Jesus. Note the message being delivered to the Doubting Thomas: You’re displaying a deficient faith; how blessed will you be if you can bring yourself to advance beyond the level of a conditional faith (see John 20:24-29).