Jesus is troubled by the knowledge of who is about to betray him. He announces the imminent betrayal to his disciples. Take particular notice of how he responds. He proceeds to feed the betrayer. Judas then leaves to do his dirty work, and the narrator adds, “and it was night” (13:30).
Jesus continues – focusing on his mission and preparing his disciples for what is to come. He tells them (and us) in tender words (“little children”) “I will be with you only a little longer. Where I am going, you cannot come.” The conversation continues after our lectionary text, with Peter asking, “Lord, where are you going?” Jesus responds, “Where I am going you cannot follow me now, but you will follow afterward.” Peter speaks up: “Lord, why can’t I follow you now? I will lay down my life for you.” Jesus gently responds by predicting Peter’s denial of him.
In the coming chapters Jesus will talk about the Paraclete, the Advocate who will teach and advise and comfort them and us. But for now he focuses on the need for his disciples to live in community, to love one another as he has loved them (and us).
Jesus could not be clearer: It is not by our theological or liturgical correctness, not by our moral purity, not by our impressive knowledge – that everyone will know that we are his disciples. It is quite simply by our loving acts — acts of service and sacrifice, acts that point to the love of God for the world made known in Jesus Christ.
~Reflection by Sister Roberta Bailey, OSB
