Homily on John 7:1-13

The Holy Gospel according to St. John 7:1-13

“After this Jesus went about in Galilee. He did not wish to go about in Judea because the Jews were looking for an opportunity to kill him. Now the Jewish festival of Booths was near. So his brothers said to him, "Leave here and go to Judea so that your disciples also may see the works you are doing; for no one who wants to be widely known acts in secret. If you do these things, show yourself to the world." (For not even his brothers believed in him.) Jesus said to them, "My time has not yet come, but your time is always here. The world cannot hate you, but it hates me because I testify against it that its works are evil. Go to the festival yourselves. I am not going to this festival, for my time has not yet fully come." After saying this, he remained in Galilee. But after his brothers had gone to the festival, then he also went, not publicly but as it were in secret. The Jews were looking for him at the festival and saying, "Where is he?" And there was considerable complaining about him among the crowds. While some were saying, "He is a good man," others were saying, "No, he is deceiving the crowd." Yet no one would speak openly about him for fear of the Jews.”

Dear Folks,

In this passage, we find Jesus navigating a complex web of danger, family skepticism, and public opinion. He is in Galilee, deliberately avoiding Judea because the threat to his life is real. The religious authorities in Judea see him as a disruptor, someone challenging their power and traditions. The shadow of the cross is already looming.

As the Feast of Booths approaches, a significant Jewish festival, Jesus' own brothers offer him some rather blunt advice. They suggest he go to Judea, not out of faith, but seemingly out of a desire for spectacle. They reason that if he truly possesses the power he claims, he should display it openly for all to see. Their words reveal a lack of understanding, a worldly perspective that equates fame with truth. They haven't yet grasped the deeper meaning of Jesus' mission, the humility and sacrifice that lie at its heart. The Gospel writer pointedly notes, "(For not even his brothers believed in him.)" This reminds us that even those closest to us may not always understand or accept our faith journey.

Jesus' response to his brothers is profound. He speaks of "his time" not yet having come. This is a recurring theme in John's Gospel, highlighting the divine plan that guides Jesus' life. His actions are not dictated by human expectations or the desire for public acclaim, but by the Father's will and the perfect timing of that will. He contrasts his "time" with theirs, saying, "your time is always here." This suggests that their motivations are more aligned with worldly opportunities and schedules, while his is governed by a higher purpose.

He then reveals a stark truth: "The world cannot hate you, but it hates me because I testify against it that its works are evil." Jesus' message of love and truth inherently exposes the darkness and injustice in the world. This opposition is not surprising; it is a consequence of shining a light in the darkness. We too, as followers of Christ, may experience this kind of opposition when we stand for what is right and true.

Despite the danger, Jesus eventually does go to the festival, but not openly, "as it were in secret." This decision highlights the tension between his desire to minister to his people and the need to protect himself until his appointed time. It also reveals the divided opinions among the crowds. Some recognize his goodness, while others accuse him of deception. Yet, fear prevails. "No one would speak openly about him for fear of the Jews." The fear of those in power silences many, preventing them from expressing their true beliefs.

This Gospel reading speaks to us in several ways. Firstly, it reminds us that following Jesus is not always easy or popular. There will be opposition, even from those closest to us. Secondly, it emphasizes the importance of God's timing in our lives. We may not always understand why things happen when they do, but we can trust in God's perfect plan. Thirdly, it challenges us to examine our own motivations. Are we seeking worldly recognition, or are we driven by a genuine desire to serve God and others?

Finally, this passage highlights the power of fear. Fear can silence us, prevent us from speaking the truth, and hinder the spread of the Gospel. We are called to overcome fear with faith, to be courageous in proclaiming the Good News, even when it is difficult or unpopular.

Let us pray for the strength to follow Jesus with unwavering faith, trusting in God's perfect timing and overcoming the fear that might hold us back from living out our calling. May we always seek to align our lives with God's will, rather than the fleeting desires of the world. Amen.

O God, whose glory it is always to have mercy:  Be gracious to all who have gone astray from your ways, and bring them again with penitent hearts and steadfast faith to embrace and hold fast the unchangeable truth of your Word, Jesus Christ your Son; who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. 

Love,

+Br'er Abbot

The Most Reverend Brian Ernest Brown, CWC

Sacramental Community of the Coworkers of Christ