Heavenward in God's Word
by Rev. Melvin Dornak, Pastor. St. Mary, Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church.
Published: Spring 2026
Spiritual greetings to readers of Front Porch!
Taking a selection from the New Testament, I felt impelled to choose a Gospel I became familiar with since St. John is my patron Confirmation saint. (read about patron Confirmation saints here.)
John, the Evangelist and Apostle, is said to be the only non-martyr and lived until the end of the 1st century or AD 100. Known also as the Beloved Disciple, the authorship is attributed to him though some redaction is considered by one who was centered on "Johannine" thought.
From my title, the Apostle John is represented by the eagle based essentially on the "looking up" found in the Gospel, such as the Spirit, in the form of a "Dove" descending over Jesus at his Baptism. And from the heavens, a voice cried out: Listen to Him.
The inset photo I took at St. John Lateran Basilica in Rome, Pope Leo's cathedral church, features the eagle by his right leg; also, note the head of John looking skyward or, "heavenward" to convey the word of God is reaching out to us in a guided and willed destiny.
One of my favorite lines in this Gospel and looking up is: I am the Light of the world (8: 12). Known originally as the Basilica of Our Savior, this is a reference to Jesus' words in 8:12 and the beauty of luminosity of the basilica's interior where God's people worship toward the Light [Roman Pilgrimage. George Weigel. Pg. 59.].
One highly regarded theologian and Biblical scholar is Rev. Raymond E. Brown+ (1928-1998) who authored a text I relate here:
An Introduction to the New Testament, 1997, which includes his commentary on John.
Below, Rev. Brown shares a summary about us who can take the unique Gospel scenes of Jesus who meets the Samaritan woman (4:4-42) and the man born blind (9:1-40) into a faithful perspective of fresh insights of God with us:
Everyman and everywoman personify different faith reactions; ... the importance of discipleship which is a role that all can share. For John there are no second-class citizens among true believers; all of them are God's children in Christ. [pg. 378.]
Another interesting highlight is how Jesus makes a point regarding a teaching or truth by his opening words, Amen, Amen I say to you .... Found only in John whereas the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke) see Jesus say Amen only once. As stated earlier, Jesus makes it known to Nathanael (likely the same Apostle named Bartholomew) by Amen, amen, I say to you, you will see the sky opened and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man. [1:51]
Take pleasure in reading this Gospel; Pope Clement of Alexandria called it the "spiritual Gospel."
For us ministers, too, who proclaim it at Mass or Christian/ Religious Services, we are called to listen, understand, and see the Light!
From the Editors...
Rev. Dornak, thank you for sharing the good news with the residents of Burleson County. May God bless you, keep you, and give you peace.
Enjoy more free articles, funnies, and promotions from local and national leaders about Stop the Insanity by picking up the entire, print, 2026 Spring edition found all around town but most frequently in front of Brookshire's in Caldwell, TX.
Don't miss a beat by following us on Facebook and subscribing to receive the full digital edition through the Shop on our website at www.TheRestorationAlliance.com.
Thank you to our cherished advertisers for making The Front Porch Magazine in Burleson County possible. Click here to view advertising opportunities.
Comments