Reading for Tuesday of Holy Week

John 12:20-36

“The light is among you still, but not for long. Go on your way while you still have the light…After these words, Jesus went away from them into hiding" (John 12:35-36—Revised English Bible)

The next time that Jesus has anything to say in public, he is being arrested. In John’s Gospel, this is Jesus’s last word to the world. What is his word? Companionship. Jesus is the “light of the world” (Jn 9:5). And he will not be in this world for long. The plans have been made for his arrest, show trial, and execution. Yet he is still here for a few days. So come to his light, and go with him while you still have time to reach a deeper understanding of Jesus’s message.

In a sense, Jesus’s last word is his first word. “When the two disciples heard what [John the Baptist] said, they followed Jesus…’What are you looking for?’ he asked. They said, ‘Rabbi,’ where are you staying?’ ‘Come and see,’ he replied” (Jn 1:37-39). Jesus certainly has had much to teach, and preach. But what he has to offer, more than anything else, is his loving presence. Even now, having said so much, and faced so much incomprehension, and rejection, Jesus implores his listeners thus: Alright, you don’t get my message. Just walk with me for awhile. You’re welcome to walk with me, even if you don’t understand me or agree with me.

There is certainly a lot of “content” to our Church, which is the Eucharistic Body of Christ in the world. There is doctrine to be understood, and teaching to be done. But we do not “test” anyone on their comprehension. We do not give out grades. We offer our message, but first and foremost, we offer our presence. We don’t wag a finger, we offer an open hand. Come and see.