Communion: Root of Being, Dreaming Energy re-reading History
(Jn 13:16-20)
In the context of the washing of the feet, Jesus reminds us that the true disciple should have no illusions: he will have no less persecution than the Master.
An «envoy» is no more important than the One who sends him (v.16). Jesus doesn’t elect Twelve Apostles as if they were leaders destined to have fabulous positions.
The disciples are "sent" in this sense, like the Son by the Father. Within this flow they become a revealing light, fully, without closure.
In short, one of the ways of washing one another's feet (v.14) is precisely to come and feel properly «sent» - depicting a kind of dreamy concatenation: Jesus and God himself, passing through us.
We can only become a continuation of the Mystery surrounding the Person of Christ if we are aware that we are not "more" than others - let alone the Master.
In I Promessi Sposi (The Betrothed), Manzoni narrates that the marquis successor to Don Rodrigo [«good man, not an original»] serves the guests at Renzo and Lucia’s wedding table.
Then, however, he withdraws to dine aloof with Don Abbondio: «of humility, he had as much as it took to put himself below those good people, but not to be their equal».
It used to be done this way: social etiquette dictated it.
A style in which, in order to be liked, one accepted to adapt to (impromptu) gestures of almsgiving and benevolence, among excellent, well-mannered people - obviously safeguarding the prominence of positions.
Falling into line with the models does not get us out of the cages; on the contrary, it hides us in the illusion of a change that is not actually taking place, because the bogus order remains, despite the altruism of appearances.
The portent to which we are called and sent is not to make room for convenient feelings, but to move from our own summit to the level of others and to stand shoulder to shoulder with them, to give everyone the emotion of feeling adequate.
From service to Communion: a unique climate [not always “according to manners” but authentically our own and dreamy] of intimate power that develops blooms, triggering impossible recoveries.
From here the story is re-read.
It is the way of Bliss (v.17) - that of the living Lord. The core of the outgoing Church: adding to beautiful and practical teachings the essential dimension, which points downwards.
In action, the profound being of the Friend who has the freedom to descend is expressed. He reveals himself to be a promoter of the unfortunate, not a subtle prevaricator.
Such is the plausible and amiable path, the evangelizing Way of our Roots. Which does not demand "resilience" in relationships, only from the "inferiors" of the world.
«I Am» of Ex 3:14 becomes - without effort - the communal and welcoming People of the servants filled with self-given dignity.
The eternal element of the Logos is preserved and developed by his envoys and the ministerial, 'apostolic' church: both in its original and founding character and in its connection to the history of each one.
To internalize and live the message:
What does it mean to you to go from serving to Communion? Do you consider it an annoying excess?
Is it enough for you to make others feel good at times, as a protagonist and in a smug way, or do you strive to make them feel adequate?
[Thursday 4th wk. in Easter, May 15, 2025]
