Sir, we wish to see Jesus!

A two voice reflection based on John 12:20-33, the Gospel for this Sunday (Lent 5, Yr B):

Sir, we wish to see Jesus –
the popular Jesus, the energy of the large crowds around him.

We wish to see Jesus who can heal and renew the body and the mind,
and who calms the waves and the storms in life.

We wish to see Jesus who selflessly provides for those in need,
and who seeks to nourish as he provides for the needs of crowd.

We wish to see Jesus who teaches in a way we can understand;
and who restores justice and order and who preaches love and peace.

We wish to see Jesus who breaks down the barriers in society,
and who sets the imprisoned free from their chains of sin.

Sir, with joy, we wish to see Jesus.

Sir, we wish to see our idols –
those who we look up to, and who we aspire to be like.

We wish to see those who can care for us when we need it,
who can heal us and make us well, in body, in mind and in spirit.

We wish to see those whom we love,
those who make us feel safe and comfortable.

We wish to meet those with whom we agree –
those who we can enjoy discussion with, yet remain unchallenged.

We wish to meet those who feed us in body, mind and spirit,
those who leave us feeling energised, ready to face our day.

Sir, with joy, we wish to see our neighbours!

Sir, we wish to see Jesus –
the Jesus whose soul is troubled by the world he has come to save.

We wish to see Jesus who has fallen out of popularity –
The Jesus who stands, alone, condemned by the crowds.

We wish to see Jesus, the silent Jesus,
the Jesus who chooses not to say words in his defence to avoid a painful death.

We wish to see Jesus, the condemned Jesus,
the Jesus who calls us to stand condemned with Him.

We wish to see Jesus as he is raised up on the cross,
to suffer with him and for him, as we too, take up our cross.

Sir, with faith and courage, we wish to see Jesus!

Sir, we wish to see those different to ourselves,
to join with those who we may struggle to love.

We wish to see those who have wronged us in our past
to join with them through forgiveness and love.

We wish to see those who’s situations are different to our own,
to join with those whose way of life can make us feel uncomfortable.

We wish to see those who suffer in mind, body, or spirit,
to join with them as they endure their pain in silence.

We wish to see those who are separated from their community,
to join with them in all the challenges of their isolation.

Sir, with faith and courage, we wish to see our neighbours!

Searching for Understanding