The Gospel of John is certainly different then the other three Gospels. Perhaps this difference stands out no more then in the accounts of the Last Supper. In John, Jesus goes on a long, long…long discourse mixed in with prayer.

Amid Jesus speaking about His relationship to the Father and the love they have, one of the Apostles ask a question that I think has come to most of our minds. St. Jude asks, “Lord, how is it that you will manifest yourself to us, and not to the world” (Jn 14:22)?

In other words, “Jesus you are really good at this ‘changing people’s hearts’ thing, why don’t you keep doing it instead of putting that job into the hands of Peter and the rest of us?”

Or today we might say, “Lord we are surrounded by an oppressive fear and hate, Jesus why don’t you show them yourself and bring peace and comfort. Make yourself known as we know you.”

Jesus’ answer to the Apostles was basically this, ‘If you love me then you have the Father’s Love and we will dwell in you. I am leaving but that is good because then I can send you the Holy Spirit. I will give you a peace beyond this world so let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid’ (cf. Jn 14:23-31).

In other words, Jesus was saying that the Trinity is going to dwell in each of us and it will be our job to manifest the Lord’s presence and love to the world.

Now, to me this still seems like a terrible option, however it is the mission we have received. So we must ask ourselves; we know there is so much fear, hate, apathy, and unbelief in the world…what is my role in that existing?

Vatican II challenged us when it taught, “believers can have more than a little to do with the birth of atheism. To the extent that they neglect their own training in the faith, or teach erroneous doctrine, or are deficient in their religious, moral or social life, they must be said to conceal rather than reveal the authentic face of God and religion” (GS 19).

• If people are filled with fear is it because we have lacked courage?
• If there is so much hate is it because we have lacked love?
• If there is apathy is it because we show no compassion?
• If people feel like they do not matter is it because we have not shown them their dignity and worth?
• If people lack belief is it because we do not have the faith of a mustard seed?

These are tough questions. But we need not despair or give into fear. For Jesus has promised to dwell in us and give us HIS HEART.

We can be all of this if we love Him and allow Him to love us, live in us, so that He might be manifested to the world.

Let us walk in confidence for the Lord said, “Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid…Rise, let us go hence” (Jn 14:27, 31)!

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Casting Nets Ministries