The Gospel of John, chapter 14:23

Mary Canon was a college student in Ireland, away from home for the first time. She liked being in America, but she was confused and lonely. A fellow student invited her to come to what he said was a prayer meeting. Mary went along hoping to find some friends who would support and comfort her. Everyone was kind to her and invited her to return. She did. Soon the group had boxed her in with a series of rules, insisted that she move from the campus to their house and not tell her parents since they could not appreciate her special group. Within six months, Mary was completely dedicated to the group’s teacher, had left college and rejected her parents and former friends. She was a member of the Moonie cult and spent her days begging on the streets of San Francisco to support it. It took years for Mary’s family to rescue her from this cult and to deprogram her and restore her to her former self.

The world is filled with authoritarian types. People who have the answer to all our problems and insist that we listen to them and them alone. The gospel message of Jesus is opposed to such an attitude. It is based, not on force and coercion, but on love. It teaches us that, in the end, all men and women are brothers and sisters, children of the same God. Jesus leads His flock by example rather than by driving it. His followers hear His voice and follow His example freely. He has given us the Paraclete, the Holy Spirit, to instruct us in truth and freedom. This is what today’s reading is all about; it is an invitation to be true to Jesus’ word of love.

At times when there is security in our lives and when there are many comforts and resources for us to share, authoritarian types are not attractive. When, however, there is insecurity and resources are scarce, many turn to authoritarian leaders. The rise of Hitler in Germany is a drastic example of this. Today, many cult leaders offer easy answers and instant security to many bewildered people. They even predict terrible catastrophes if people are not obedient to them. How different is the free, peaceful, loving message of Jesus! Jesus’ message of love is a gift of faith which we can accept freely; it is a message marked by love not by fear; it is a message which grows as we become more Christ-like in our relationships with others.

Fr. Hugh Duffy