The WORD in other words (2009) by Fr. Flor Lagura, SVD – New Jersey, USA
Monday 5th Week of Easter
To capture the meaning of a word or a statement, it is highly recommended to view it within its context. In other words, we have to determine the circumstances in which those words were spoken, or statements were formulated.
This viewpoint disagrees with Paul Ricouer’s theory of interpretation, where he claims that a word or statement takes on a meaning independent of the time and place it was made. This is contrary to the biblical scholars’ standpoint stressing Sitz-im-leben which literally means “the setting in life.”
According to them, the institutional setting in the world in which the statement takes on its characteristic shape proves to be more helpful in knowing the meaning of a statement. The particular setting was the journey Jesus took to Jerusalem in order to meet with his death. He did so in complete obedience to the Father and in full control of his life.
Like any man who is fully aware of the remaining days of his life, Jesus gave his last words to his disciples. Once again he wanted them to prove their love for him, not by any romantic (as in eros) demonstration, but by keeping his words, that is, by obeying his commandments. This demonstration of love is more along the line of agape or the Christ-like way of loving where commitment, perseverance, and faithfulness are required.
The proof of this kind of love is keeping Jesus’s commandments, bearing in mind all the while that his commandments are the refinement of the Decalogue which he summarized into one great commandment — loving God above all while loving others as ourselves.
Furthermore, Jesus expressed this love for others when he washed the feet of his disciples, then called them “no longer servants or slaves but friends.” Later, he who had said “Be you perfect as my heavenly Father is perfect”(Mt 5,48) would later qualify his statement when he said, “Be merciful just as my heavenly Father is merciful.” (Lk 6,36). Jesus showed this compassionate love when he dealt with sinners who had been earlier judged and condemned by others. He also showed compassion to his shamed disciples who had failed him in his moment of need and turned away from him, as Peter did.
In keeping the words of the Son of God by obeying his commandments, we are guaranteed of his presence and trust no matter what happens in life. Moreover, by keeping his commandments to prove our love, we know him more, love him better, and serve him more faithfully. It seals our being with our Father in heaven.
