(Please read the Scripture passage before reading the homily.)
This passage ends that part of the Gospel according to John called the Book of Signs. Tomorrow we begin hearing from the Book of Glory. The signs John presented us were supposed to lead us to conversion and belief in Jesus as the One sent by God.
Belief in Jesus means believing in God. Believing in Jesus means living in the light and not stumbling in darkness. Believing in Jesus means hearing and doing the Word of God. Believing in Jesus means finding salvation and not condemnation. Believing in Jesus means having eternal life.
Jesus changed water into wine. Jesus brought water from the wellsprings of eternal life. Jesus multiplied loaves and walked over the waters of the sea. Jesus gave sight to the blind and life to the dead. These doings of Jesus were supposed to point us toward the God who sent Jesus. These signs were supposed to lead us to the salvation God prepared for us through Jesus.
The commandment that God has given us through Jesus is that our belief must show itself in our love for others. God so loved us that God sent his Son to save us. We must love others in the same way and to the same extent.
If we have understood the signs and accepted them, then we are ready for the Book of Glory. The signs have pointed Jesus out as God’s agent. Now we are allowed to witness Jesus as he moves in stately procession to his glory. No one would kill Jesus but Jesus would lay down his life for all and raise it up again.
We have the same destiny.