Monthly Archives: May 2025

Reflecting on John 10: 27-30

What does eternal life mean? Pope Francis left a beautiful testament, to be read after his death, saying, “I ask that my mortal remains rest awaiting the day of resurrection in the Papal Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore.” I haven’t heard many people speak about the resurrection of the body, but our dear Franciscus clearly believed that his body would rise on the last day.

Jesus, in today’s gospel from John 10, assures us when he says, speaking metaphorically about sheep, “I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish.” Can we possibly hope that we are counted in that number, that there is truly life after this life?

Let’s lean into Catholic teaching. At death, the immortal soul does not perish. Immediately after death, the soul undergoes a “particular judgment,” based on its life on earth. At the end of time, there will be a final resurrection where all souls will be reunited with their bodies, and the Last Judgment will take place. This is the moment that Pope Francis awaits.

Here’s a beautiful analogy, given to us by Rev. John McKenzie, SJ. When we are in the womb, we can’t know anything but the womb. This is where we get our food, oxygen, warmth, and safety. But if an embryo, already grown into a baby and birthed into a life outside the womb,  could talk to the pre-born embryo, think of the confidence she could give that embryo: “You’ll breathe! You’ll eat! You’ll dance! You’ll talk! I know you’re afraid of the unknown. But trust me, you want to be born.”

Trust me, says Jesus. I will give those who embrace me eternal life. You want to be born into that.

What fears do you harbor about being born into eternal life?

Kathy McGovern ©2025 

Reflecting on John 21: 1-19

I heard the Passion this year more than any other Lent. Or, maybe I just HEARD the Passion more—really heard it, really contemplated it, was really broken over it, more than ever before. In the same way, I resolve to read the Easter gospels with brand-new eyes this season as well.

And so, I have some questions. When Jesus visited his disciples at the Sea of Tiberias, we don’t know how much time had elapsed since he appeared to them (with Thomas) one week after Easter. We know that they’d returned to their occupation before being called to follow Christ. What were they thinking on that boat that day? Did we dream all of this? And yet, we all remember the Risen Jesus appearing to us in the room where we were hiding, and, the second time, Thomas even felt his wounds!

So, what did they think had happened to Jesus since he appeared to them? Weren’t they beside themselves, not knowing where he was, or what his resurrection meant for their futures? (I suspect Peter was PARTICULARLY interested in that question.) Apparently, they had reunited with their families in the Galilee, after traveling with Jesus for three years. They were back fishing, making a living.

The story has a familiar pattern, maybe in our own lives, too. A long night on frightening waters. Hunger. Uncertainty. Fear. And then, a familiar Voice, encouraging them to try another way.

Hear the voice of Pope Francis, calling us from heaven: Try another way.

My question, then, as I read this gospel: what new way is God showing  me? Do I have the faith to cast my net to the other side?

What behaviors have not been fruitful for you? How will you try another way?

Kathy McGovern ©2025