In St. John’s Gospel there are seeming “throw away” lines that actually convey much food for thought. For example, we’re told that after experiencing threats and opposition Jesus “went back across the Jordan to the place where John first baptized, and there he remained.” It was at the Jordan that Jesus was baptized, that he heard the heavenly voice name him (“You are my beloved Son”), that he felt the Holy Spirit descent upon him. Jesus went there to recharge his batteries, to remember why he did what he did, to experience again the blessed assurance that he was on a mission from God. In our striving for justice, we too much re-charge periodically by recalling that we are sent as beloved children of God.
