HOMILY 5TH SUNDAY OF EASTER 2026
FAREWELL FROM JOHN’S LONG, LONG FAREWELL DISCOURSE
JESUS REVEALS THE FATHER AND PROMISES THE SPIRIT
MOTHERS’ DAY TOO!
Jn 14.15-21 AA 8.5-8,14-17 1Pt 3.15-18
This week, it was time to talk to Grade 3’s here at St Therese’s, as they start to prepare for First Reconciliation, or Confession, as it was called in the old days. There are some really deep thinkers, with difficult questions to think about. One bright young student asked me how Jesus could be human like one of us, and then also be God, whom he calls Father! Well, what can one say? Accept the mystery, and live the message he teaches us!
When I was in Grade 3, it was a matter of just accepting the catechism answers, as that was just the way God was, the old Trinity triangle, summed up in the Sign of the Cross, no questions asked! The leap of faith, then, is the call to all who accept Jesus, in his person and his words and actions, as revealing the God of love and life, in the image of a loving Father, whom we cannot see. But, it’s not sufficient to see this as theological mystery and theory, but faith to be translated into how life is lived.
I could have given Brendan Byrne SJ’s analysis, but a bit heavy for that level, if not for me too: “John’s Gospel presents the entire work of Jesus Christ as nothing less than a fulfilment of a divine project to bring about mutual ‘at-homeness’ between God and human beings. As heralded in the Prologues, the Word, whose proper dwelling is in eternity, ‘with God’, has ‘become flesh’.” He goes on to say for today: “What the Gospel is saying is that when the community is indeed one where love prevails, the atmosphere of love that it experiences is nothing other than a sharing in the communion of love that is the Godhead.”
So, on we go with John’s Farewell Discourse, following Jesus’ declaration as himself as the Way, the Truth and the Life, in response to a doubting Thomas, seeking direction, meaning and faith, on behalf of the others too. There is the real sense that the end is near and the fear and uncertainty of where the whole show goes from here, as earthly failure and gloom and doom are in the air, as Jesus clearly is saying farewell.
Yet, he is not speaking of final departure so much as continuity, with the promise of the Spirit as gift to guide and protect his followers who are to continue his mission of proclaiming hope to a world often beset by uncertainty, darkness and sin, where the followers of Jesus, known from early on as Christians, were given a responsibility to bring light and truth into the lives of others. The means of doing this is by applying faith to life, and living the law of love in practical ways.
As Jesus demonstrated throughout his public ministry, words without actions are just empty. The person claiming to live as Christian must be prepared to put theory into practice in daily life. Jesus’ instruction here is to keep his commandments, and don’t we know, the fundamental or core commandment is the law of love, love of God and neighbour, the latter in the broadest possible sense of the word, not just those with whom we get on with, or know personally, but beyond family and friends, into the broader world of global humanity.
The universal Gospel proclaimed by Jesus is to go to the ends of the earth, to be transmitted by his followers, with all of their imperfections and weaknesses. The underlying assurance is that the Spirit will guide and strengthen those who turn to him in faith. For those of faith, the ‘divine indwelling’ of the Spirit provides the impulse to move forward in faith and hope. It’s not magic, but a call to produce the fruits of the Spirit, starting with peace and love.
Meanwhile, we also celebrate Mothers’ Day this weekend and I believe it’s far more than a commercial opportunity to promote sales. Growing up, it is so easy to take those around us for granted, and not think twice about what is done for us, without question or reward, until we stop, look back and reflect on the way in which we have been raised, from birth, through childhood, teenage and young adult years, up to our independent years and developing relationships, into adult family life.
As one who has not had the opportunity to do it, given my choice of lifestyle, I can only admire those who take on the challenge of parenthood, with the all-encompassing responsibilities of constant care and nurturing, from one’s arrival on the planet! I see this anew, with my own nieces and nephews, as I experience the excitement, happiness and joy of the next generation coming into my own family, with 4 additions in the last 2 years or so, and 2 more on the way!
The sacrifices made, and the adjustments required, to accommodate a precious new life into the lives of parents, who, previously have been able to enjoy the freedom and independence of being loving partners together, are many. The dynamics change, as love is extended to care for a child, and it’s not easy transition, as I see it! So, today, as we acknowledge our mothers, as well as those who have been our nurturers or carers as mother figures in our lives, let’s express our appreciation and gratitude for their love and care, and the positive influence they have been, throughout our lives.
I lovingly remember my own Mum, now gone over 23 years (she’d be 104 now!), always there for us her 5 children, along with her own elderly parents living with us early on, with Dad always supportive too. At the time it seemed, easy, as they way things were, but, on reflection, not at all easy, but accepted and done, unassumingly, with love and devotion. So it’s happy Mothers’ Day to all mothers and to those who have helped fulfil that role in our lives. As sociologist Peter Berger once wrote in “Signals of Transcendence”, one key sign is the image of a mother’s all-embracing love for the child in her arms.
And now I conclude with a little story, demonstrating the importance of a mother’s love, reflecting the God of love in our lives, titled “My Aussie Mum” (by Yvonne Morrison, illustrated by Nicola Bright). Thanks to all our Mums.
john hannon 10th May 2026