Sixth Sunday of Easter A JN 14-15-21

How to become a mature authority

We all know what it is to grow. Although the obligation to grow is our lifelong task, this process is most pronounced in childhood. This process has three phases: from (1) dependence to (2) independence, and from independence to (3) care. A certain author mentions one moment of his life, which he still has in his living memory, even though it has been for several decades. One day, his mother sent him to school for the first time. Until then, she dated him every day. Every morning they got nicely picked and went. His mother brought him to school, undressed him and almost took him to class. Then she left. After class, she came to pick him up. One day, however, she tells him, “Today you will go alone! You know the way. And you know what needs to be done when you come to school, how to get dressed and prepare for school. ” Full of anxiety, but also the pride that he could handle it himself, he set out on a journey.

These two feelings alternated in him: for a moment he felt proud, for a moment he was frightened. When he reached the end of the street, before turning right, he turned back for a moment, toward their house. Outside the window, he saw her mother looking through the curtains. When she saw that he was looking, she withdrew. She also felt what he did: pride and anxiety. But it was necessary. Otherwise, he would not grow up. Only through pride (which is a manifestation of desire) and anxiety grows. When he grew up, he did the same: he helped his children grow on their own, by teaching them independence.

Take care of your own hands

In this example, we have illustrated the three points of the growth process mentioned: from dependence to independence and from independence to care. The child is dependent on adult care. The adult protects him, does things for him and for him. The child does not need to earn or prepare anything on his own to maintain life and well-being. Adults do it for him and for him. But if he wants to grow up and grow up, he has to take care of himself. It must be separate. He must be able to take care of himself. He can’t still wait for someone else to prepare things and well-being for his life. However, even this is not the goal yet. The goal is to assist others in the same.

Jesus worked exactly on this principle. In today’s Gospel, he says goodbye to his apostles. Even though he knows that many do not yet know what he is talking about, he is still preparing them for the moment of his definitive departure. He knows it will bring them a lot of trouble. Not only will they lose a person who has become close to them, but they will also lose someone who has provided so many things for their lives. Whenever they were hungry, he took care of the food. When they were thirsty, there was fine wine. When they were sick, there was healing. It is true that he also sent them. But they could always go back, sit at his feet, listen to his advice, and enjoy his presence. Although they were, on the one hand, responsible people, perhaps fathers and professionals in their fields, they nevertheless became too dependent on him – like children who are dependent on their parents.

So he let them know he was leaving. They have to leave, otherwise they would not grow up, mature or grow up. For even though he tried to assist them in their maturation, this process would not be complete until he left. Only then will they be able to finally take care of themselves. Become independent. Even those who assist others in this growth. Throughout his earthly ministry, Jesus sought one thing: to raise people who were fully enthusiastic about his cause, the kingdom of God, and who could decide for themselves what served this kingdom and what did not. His goal was to teach them to come into contact with their inner authority.

Have authority, not power

In the Gospel of St. Mark has one interesting episode. It took place right at the beginning of Jesus’ performance. When he began to preach, his listeners immediately recognized: he preaches differently than our preachers, he preaches differently than our scribes. It is literally said in the text: “And they were astonished at his doctrine, for he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes” (Mk 1: 21-28). In the Slovak text, it is said that he taught as one who has power. In foreign translations (also in Latin) it is said: he taught as one who has authority. It’s actually the same. He who has authority also has power. Except it may not always be too much domination. Jesus did not have and did not want to have such power. The legislators had such power – or rather sought it -.

What is it to have authority? Surely you will remember the number of people who tried to have authority over you and not have it. They did it by humiliating you, trying to bind you with their constant orders and prohibitions, who never praised you for anything and who tried at all costs to keep you short. After years, you remember them with reluctance. They were people for you, in the presence of which you felt uncomfortable, who suffocated and beat you. On the other hand, you had people who did not seek authority in your life, but they did. They were people you remember very fondly: a parent, a teacher, a grandfather, a priest and so on. What was the difference? What was the difference between Jesus and the scribes? The answer is the word authority itself. It comes from the Latin word augere, which means to magnify, to cause growth. Authority is the person who causes growth in you. Want to grow This was what happened to the people as they listened to Jesus speak in the synagogue at Capernaum. As they listened to him, they realized their possibilities. Jesus gave them a hope that the scribes had never given them before, which the scribes never even wanted to give them. Jesus did not reduce or moralize them, as the scribes did. Jesus treated them as friends and equals. Jesus did not flatter them. It simply led them to be realistic about themselves and their possibilities. In fact, people in the presence of Jesus have not become dreamers or deniers of reality. On the contrary, they have become far more realistic than ever before. They realized that God was calling them to far greater things than they could realize. It is clear that everything they realized in the presence of Jesus did not always make their lives easier. However, it made it much more valuable to them. Jesus’ authority led them to choose what every authority — including our own — should make people do: want to grow. However, wanting to grow requires one to stand on one’s own two feet. To take full responsibility for his life. So he doesn’t try to stick to anyone else. To trust his inner authority. To be independent. Being independent is not easy. Some remain children all their lives. Even in terms of the most basic – the human. For example, how many people cannot imagine a life in which we would be able to take care of ourselves, and so we become parasites: either on our own parents or on other people. There are many who live from the calluses of others.

We are not orphans.But even though most of us are aware of this fact and try to prepare humanly for a life of independence, and even for a life of caring for others, we do not know it spiritually. For example, how many are we are spiritually dependent. We are afraid to make decisions or take the initiative into our own hands. We’d better ask the priest. In order for us – as disciples of Jesus – to be able to be adults, Jesus leaves us. Well, not quite.

In today’s Gospel, he says, “I will not leave you as an orphan. … And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Supporter, that he may abide with you for ever, even the Spirit of truth … God’s word this Sunday is a great challenge for us: trust the Spirit! Do not worry! Listen to him! Let him guide you! Don’t get caught up in anyone! Have the courage to be an adult! The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of freedom. Let’s not be afraid we’re wrong. After all, in doubt there is a church to which the Spirit is given in full. So may the Holy Spirit lead us to full human and Christian maturity.