In the Gospel reading today, Jesus and his disciples are worshipping in the temple for the Passover feast. We hear that some Greeks are there as well, and are wanting to see Jesus. In the temple, the Jewish people were allowed in a courtyard that was closer to the Holy of Holies, but any Gentiles had to worship from a further out courtyard. When the disciples ask him to come and see these Greeks, Jesus strangely starts to talk directly about his own death, instead of addressing the disciples. Jesus’ reflections on his coming sacrifice turns into a short prayer to the Father, who speaks back. What???? I don’t know about you, but if I heard “thunder” or “angels” in response to a prayer that Jesus made, there would be no doubt left in my mind of His divine mission.
“The hour has come…for this purpose I came to this hour…Now is the time of judgment.” Jesus is trying to tell the people that something is going to happen immediately, it is imminent! This is also true for us, as we’re a couple Sundays away from Easter! But for these people in their time, it’s not the kind of action that they think. The disciples and Jewish people likely still believe that Jesus would come as an earthly, conquering King and Messiah. The imagery that Jesus gives of being “lifted up”, perhaps they believed to be similar to a Roman general returning from a campaign. Being lifted up in praise on a glorious earthly throne. But Jesus’ victory was not against Rome or any kingdom; rather it would be against the sinfulness of humanity itself.
“Unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains just a grain of wheat; but if it dies, it produces much fruit.” Jesus mentions this in parallel to his own mission, and thus further reveals the kind of “victory” he would need to win; His death. But he also calls his servants to follow Him. So, are we all called to die like Him? Yes! But this death is not the end of our life; rather it’s the end of sin and the end of death itself. Death is a new beginning for us, and we are “baptised” into Christ’s death so that we will rise with Him at Easter. So how do we truly follow Christ and put our old self to death? Through the Lenten practices we’ve already been doing; fasting, almsgiving, and prayer! Let’s all keep walking strong on the road to Calvary, and meet Jesus there. Let’s receive new life from the waters of mercy that are flowing from His side.
Songs for Reflection
I Will Follow – Chris Tomlin
New Wine – Hillsong Worship
Here’s My Heart – Chris Tomlin
Lead Me to the Cross – Hillsong Worship
Yes and Amen – Housefires
Lord of Lords – Hillsong Worship
Called Me Higher – All Sons and Daughters
Brendan is just your average Millennial hipster: He likes playing guitar, throwing frisbees, sipping whiskey, and grooming his beard. But he also has a passion for walking with teens and young Christ-followers, hearing every person’s story, and waking up the Church. Brendan works at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Lenexa, Kansas (near Kansas City) as a Youth Music Minister, fusing together his two loves of sharing Christ and sharing the power and need for good and beautiful contemporary praise. https://www.instagram.com/brendanbeardo/
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Dakota currently lives in Denver, CO and teaches English Language Development and Spanish to high schoolers. She is married to the love of her life, Ralph. In her spare time, she reads, goes to breweries, and watches baseball. Dakota’s favorite saints are St. John Paul II (how could it not be?) and St. José Luis Sánchez del Río. She is passionate about her faith and considers herself blessed at any opportunity to share that faith with others. Check out more of her writing at 
Kathryn James Hermes, FSP, is the author of the newly released title
Kathryn Mulderink, MA, is married to Robert, Station Manager for Holy Family Radio. Together they have seven children (including newly ordained Father Rob and seminarian Luke ;-), and two grandchildren. She is a Secular Discalced Carmelite and has published five books and many articles. Over the last 25 years, she has worked as a teacher, headmistress, catechist, Pastoral Associate, and DRE. Currently, she serves the Church as a writer and voice talent for Catholic Radio, by publishing and speaking, and by collaborating with the diocesan Office of Catechesis, various parishes, and other ministries to lead others to encounter Christ and engage their faith. Her website is 
Tami Urcia grew up in Western Michigan, a middle child in a large Catholic family. She spent early young adulthood as a missionary in Mexico, studying theology and philosophy, then worked and traveled extensively before finishing her Bachelor’s Degree in Western Kentucky. She loves tackling home improvement projects, finding fun ways to keep her four boys occupied, quiet conversation with the hubby and finding unique ways to love. She works at her parish, is a guest blogger on 
Jeannette de Beauvoir is a writer and editor with the digital department of Pauline Books & Media, working on projects as disparate as newsletters, book clubs, ebooks, and retreats that support the apostolate of the Daughters of St. Paul at 
Deacon Dan Schneider is a retired general manager of industrial distributors. He and his wife Vicki recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. They are the parents of eight children and twenty-nine grandchildren. He has a degree in Family Life Education from Spring Arbor University. He was ordained a Permanent Deacon in 2002. He has a passion for working with engaged and married couples and his main ministry has been preparing couples for marriage.
Veronica Alvarado is a born and raised Texan currently living in Michigan. Since graduating from Texas A&M University, Veronica has published various articles in the Catholic Diocese of Austin’s official newspaper, the Catholic Spirit, and other local publications. She now works as the Content Specialist in Diocesan’s Web Department.
Tommy Shultz is the Founder/Director of Rodzinka Ministry and the Director of Faith Formation for the North Allegan Catholic Collaborative. In these roles, he is committed to bringing all those he meets into a deeper relationship with Christ. Tommy has a heart and flair for inspiring people to live their faith every day. He has worked in various youth ministry, adult ministry, and diocesan roles. He has been a featured speaker at retreats and events across the country. With a degree in Theology from Franciscan University, Tommy hopes to use his knowledge to help all people understand the beauty of The Faith. Contact Tommy at 
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