Those who put the blood of a lamb on their door posts were spared. The sacrifice of the lamb preserved the lives of the first-born sons of Israel. I t is this idea of sacrifice that dominates the tradition of John. It is the giving up by God of God s own son that empowers humanity to also give up our lives. Our lives are already a gift, and it does no good to hold on to life as if it is ours to command.
Creation is a gift, and redemption is a gift.
These gifts are meant to produce a community of Grace, of love, and of sacrifice. No one has greater love than this, to lay down one s life for one s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you. N ow maybe we can understand the Gospel lesson today. Jesus appears to his disciples after the resurrection.