Catherine Adenle, an expert on the work environment of big
corporations, wrote an article entitled “12 Reasons Employees Resist Change in
the Workplace.” Some of these are fairly
predictable (people resist change in general), but one reason she cites might strike
us as odd: loss of support system. Adenle points out, workers like their
predictable routines and want to feel their familiar network of colleagues will
back them up in tough times, even if they know a change will be beneficial.
Before today’s Gospel, John has told us, some of the Jewish
authorities believed in Jesus “secretly” but kept their mouths shut to avoid
being expelled from their comfortable positions in the synagogue. They were
apparently so risk averse they could not follow where their hearts and minds
were telling them they needed to go.[1]
Today we hear Jesus providing a summation of his
self-revelation. He reaffirms his
intimate relationship with the Father (“and the Word was God,” Jn 1:1). He describes himself as a light for the world (“the
true light,” Jn 1:9). He insists that he
came not to condemn but to save (“God did not send his Son into the world to
condemn the world,” Jn 3:17). He warns
that anyone who rejects his word will be condemned by that word (“whoever does
not believe has already been condemned,” Jn 3:18). He explains that his word is the word of God (“the
Father’s only Son, full of grace and truth,” Jn 1:14).[2]
The message of Jesus—then and now—challenges by demanding
change, whether internal (a change of heart) or external (a change in behavior). The world is in the midst of obvious change
due to the Covid-19 pandemic. As we move
cautiously forward to reopen businesses, community social activities, and the
churches. Our familiar ways will have to
change, we simply are not going to get to do things the same way. Social distancing will be a new norm for some
time which means a reduced church capacity.
The way we’ve become accustomed to receiving the Eucharist, only under
one species and in the hand only, for some will be considered less than
acceptable. It’s like we’re experiencing
some mini deaths. Holy water fonts will
be dry, there will be no touching, hugging, or hand shaking. As strange as this may be and feel, within
the bounds of obedience, these changes are for the good of the worshiping community. How we embrace these changes
will be a visible summation of our own self-revelation of who we are, who we believe
in, trust, and follow.
In Pope Francis’ morning tweet, he says: “It is not easy to
live in the light. The light makes us
see many ugly things within us; vices, pride, the worldly spirit.” Jesus’ message
is challenging, because change is difficult and uncomfortable, but Jesus tells
us: “Take courage; let yourself be enlightened, because I have come not to
condemn but to save you.” Do not fear
change.
[1] Weekday
HomilyHelps. Homily Suggestion by Jim Johnston
[2]
Ibid. Exegesis of the Gospel by Norman Langebrunner.
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