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Fourth Sunday of Easter Jn 13/31-33 |
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| Background:
John’s Gospel has a heavy overlay of mystical imagery. Yet today’s brief
gospel seems clear and simple enough. However, it’s revelation of the great
tenderness of Jesus – undoubtedly based on clear historical memories in the tradition
– is richly mystical. All will know that we are followers of Jesus by the love we
have for one another. This is not a prediction which has yet been fulfilled. |
read the padre |
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Story:
Once upon a time there was a sergeant in the marines who was the senior enlisted
man in his platoon. One day his outfit was ambushed and pinned down by enemy fire. The
lieutenant in command was badly wounded as were many of the men. The sergeant took over
and extricated the men from the trap, though he himself was wounded twice. He went back by
himself to carry out the wounded commanding officer. Miraculously every man in the platoon
survived, even the wounded lieutenant. Later the men said that if it were not for the
incredible bravery of the sergeant they all would have been killed. He was always like a
mother and a father to us, they said. He was recommended for the Medal of Honor, but did
not receive it. However, he did receive the DFC. He never wore the medal because he said
the lives of his men were more important than any medal. Later when he had children of his
own, he loved them like a mother as well as a father. His wife said that during the war he
had learned how to be tender. Of course people spit on him when he came home and told him
that it served him right that he had to limp all his life.
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