For every day during Lent, Bishop Edward Malesic writes a scripture reflection for the faithful. Follow the bishop on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Click HERE for the readings.
Several Greeks came to Philip and asked him, “Sir, we would like to see Jesus.”
These Greeks represented the world outside of the nation of Israel. And when they came to seek Jesus, he knew that his “hour” had arrived. He was about to suffer and die for the world. But he was also going to rise again and give a new and real hope to the world.
Jesus said that he was about to be “glorified.” The glory of God would be present on the cross as Jesus offered his life back to the Father. The glory of God would certainly be present three days later on Easter Sunday when Jesus would rise up from the dead. The glory of God is God’s awesome and majestic power at work among us.
Jesus, the master of imagery, used a common seed to educate his followers. A grain of wheat must go through a type of death in the ground in order for it to sprout up, grow, and be harvested in a way that feeds many more people than a single grain could ever do.
In the same way, his death will bring about a great harvest that will provide for the world.
In order to follow Jesus, we must also die to self in order be raised up as loving servants for those around us. The path of the cross must also be the way we walk. From death to life.
What will our inspiration be? We look to the man who was lifted up — Jesus — and who drew all nations to him.
He is the one we are willing to die for. He is the one we are willing to rise up again for. He is the one who showed us that putting our lives in the hands of God ultimately leads to the glory of God alive in us.
Have a blessed week everyone.