REFLECTION

The feast of the Ascension celebrates  the physical separation of Jesus
 from the human story, but this text promises his
continual presence ‘to the end of time’.  
After three years, living, working and praying with the disciples,
Jesus commissions them to continue his work in the world.  
This is a difficult challenge for some of the disciples who,
although prepared to go to the appointed place, still hesitate! 
Despite their misgivings and fragile faith, he sends them out to all nations. 
Jesus has been given the authority that was once the exclusive domain
of the God of Israel; Jesus has become the presence of the living God
and his presence will continue with his disciples through the Holy Spirit

REFLECTION

Today’s Gospel draws our attention to the time when Jesus will depart from the disciples
(the Ascension is two weeks away).
When Jesus is gone, the disciples must continue the task that he has begun.
One can imagine their fear and uncertainty in being left with such a monumental challenge.
Philip’s question, “Lord, how can we know the way?”
shows their fear clearly enough.  But help is available.
Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life.
He is both the map and the destination.
Disciples are called to adopt Jesus’ life-style, His approach to God,
to others, to all creation.
In living as Jesus did, living the life of faith,
the disciples will know the truth and will have life.
This life of faith and living the way of Jesus,
God’s way in the world, will enable the disciples, not only to continue the work of Jesus,
but to perform even greater works.                 

REFLECTION

In the Gospel of John, we do not find parables in the traditional sense.  
It is not a literary device that John employs  but this text is as close an approximation
to a parable that we have.  
The contrast he draws between the shepherd who enters the fold by the gate
and the thieves and brigands who seek to enter another way,
is really about leadership.  
There are good leaders and bad leaders. 
The good leader of God’s people must come to them through Jesus who is the gate. 
The thieves and brigands will only lead the people to fear and confusion
where they will be scattered.  
Perhaps John is addressing a situation in his community where those
who are seeking leadership are not following the voice of Jesus
but seeking their own advancement or following their own agenda.
 Such people will ultimately lead the flock  to destruction but Jesus is the giver of life
in abundance to all who know his voice and follow him as shepherd.

REFLECTION

Much of Luke’s Gospel is taken up by the account of Jesus’ journey to Jerusalem to the cross.
In this Gospel, the two disciples have turned their backs on that event and are journeying away from the salvation that was won by Jesus there. 
All they can see is the confusion and disappointment of their failed hopes and expectations. 

They thought that Jesus was the Messiah but he died criminals death on the cross!  They do not even recognize him as he walks beside them.  They thought they knew what sort of Messiah he was.  But Jesus does not abandon them.  He continues his instruction of the disciples through the Scriptures and their hearts burn within them.  They continue to be open to hearing the truth and their doubts are overcome.  They finally come to recognize that Jesus is present with them in the breaking of the bread

REFLECTION

Today’s Gospel is one of transformation.
The fear of the disciples, locked in their upper room and huddled in upon themselves,
is transformed by the gift of peace
which Jesus brings and his giving of the
Spirit to strengthen them on their way.
The doubt of Thomas is transformed
by his encounter with the risen Lord.
With this transformation, however,
comes responsibility.
Just as Jesus was sent by the Father,
now, too, the disciples are
sent into the world to act as Jesus did.