Working with the Word

Focusing the Gospel

Key words and phrases: keep my commandments, Spirit of truth, world … neither sees nor knows, you will see me, you will live, one who loves me, loved by my Father

To the point: In John’s gospel, “world” refers to everything opposed to God and being obedient to Jesus’ commandments. The world sees neither Jesus nor the “Spirit of truth”; faithful disciples do. The world does not love; faithful dis- ciples do. The world does not have life; faithful disciples do. Faithful disciples see, love, and live because of the Father’s gift of the Spirit dwelling within them. This divine indwelling is God’s very love. We are to be God’s love made visible, that the world may see Jesus, come to the truth, and choose to live in faithful love.

Connecting the Gospel …

…  to the Second Reading: Peter is writing to a community who has welcomed “Christ as Lord in [their] hearts” and has remained faithful by their “good conduct in Christ.” These disciples have heeded what Jesus asks in the Gospel: to keep his commandments. Through their faithfulness, the world that conducts itself with evil is “put to shame.”

…  to experience: The world and its trappings are attractive. The “Spirit of truth” poured into our hearts by the Father leads us to discern where true satisfaction lies: in Jesus himself and being faithful to love as he has loved us.

**From Saint Louis University