Sixth Sunday of Easter – May 10, 2026 – Sr. Gerry Bolzan, SNDdeN
John 14: 15 -21
So often in the gospels the Pharisees are portrayed in a less than positive light. As some of the religious leaders of the day, they take their role seriously to figure out who this Jesus is. They follow him, observe his actions, listen to his words and try to determine if Jesus is really the long-awaited Messiah. Some try to stump him, to prove that he is not a true and upstanding Jew. But Jesus does not shy away from them. He takes every opportunity to tell his story, to preach the Kingdom, the Beloved Community.
In today’s gospel Jesus is invited to dine at the home of one of the Pharisees. There’s no mention of his disciples being with him so maybe he is on his own. We can assume that the others who are present are also Pharisees or at least family and friends of the host. So why has he been invited? At best, it is so these people can get to know Jesus better. And maybe that’s why they are all trying to get the best seats. They want to see and hear everything that Jesus will do during dinner. Jesus does not miss the opportunity to put them all in their rightful place though. He also challenges the host. Is Jesus really trying to show these guests that as leaders of the community, they are to lead by example? Jesus should have been able to rely on the scribes and Pharisees, the community leaders, to live according to the message he preached. Rather than spending their time trying to prove Jesus wrong, it would be better for them to care for the widow and orphan, to heal the blind and the lame, to challenge the unjust systems of their day.
How do we handle the tough questions of faith and justice? When challenged directly or when we see a wrong being done, do we have the courage to speak our truth? Or perhaps the question is, is our conviction deep enough, strong enough, to speak at all?
John 14: 15 -21
The eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had ordered them. When they all saw him, they worshiped, but they doubted. Then Jesus approached and said to them, “All power in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.”
The Gospel of the Lord
Meet Sister Gerry Bolzan, SNDdeN
