Being Alive

Dear Friend,

If anyone ever thought of making the Gospel of John into a musical, I’d suggest the song “Being Alive” for the grand finale. Like John’s Gospel - and as I’ve probably said before - this ballad by Steven Sondheim (sung best by Bernadette Peters) situates the dynamism of life in its sharp contrasts - stability and change; sleep and wakefulness; holding and hurting. Toward the end of the song comes the punch: “But alone/ is alone/ not alive.”

At this point in the Easter season our texts from John’s Gospel are especially energized by a focus on relationships, contrasts, even paradoxes: leaving/staying; Father/Son; knowing/not knowing; seeing/not seeing, to name a few. Furthermore, in this Gospel, “being (truly) alive” has to do with seeing: “You will see me because I live and you will live,” says Jesus - a curious line, and Jesus delivers it at a last meal with a group of disciples terrified at the prospect of a future without him.

Jesus assures them and us, “I will not leave you orphans.” Even in a deeply shadowed world where it would seem impossible, he says, “you will see me.” Through the Spirit of truth, Jesus will give us a new and true perspective. And - good news - when we see our problems in their true perspective, we find they lose their power to dominate our thoughts and our lives. 

Through his friendship and love - again, the Spirit of truth - Jesus gives us a new way of seeing our lives and of being community. In our Sunday gatherings, in friendship and conversation, and by holding each other through times of hurt, we celebrate and enact true life - being alive. But watch out - like Ms. Peters -  you might find yourself belting out a new song to the Lord!

Gratefully,

Fr. Dan ofm, Pastor