Wednesday of the Fourth Week of Lent

…but he also called God his own father, making himself equal to God.

The Muslim religion, a monotheistic religion, has proven its ability to unite people of many different languages and races into one vast empire. Its civilization excelled in sciences, the arts, business, prosperity and peace even as Christian Europe wallowed in internecine warfare.

To address the challenge of Muslim immigration to America and their recruiting many to their religion, Christians should ponder the Holy Trinity. This doctrine sets us apart from other monotheistic religions and it should make a huge difference in how we conduct our lives. It is simply not enough to say “I believe in God.” That might make one a good citizen, but Christianity demands more.

Today’s reading from Saint John’s gospel introduces the mystery of the Trinity with its exposition about Jesus. He is the equal of God the Father. This doctrine of their equality is inconceivable to standard monotheism. It would be utterly irrational if it had not been revealed to us.

As we read and reread the chapter we should rejoice in what Jesus tells us about his Father. They are of one mind, heart and will. They have sublime respect and love for one another, and total trust.

Watching and listening to Jesus speak of and to his Father might be like listening to a close friend talking on the phone. You can neither see nor hear the other party but you know to whom your friend is speaking. You know what they’re talking about. So when your friend makes a joke and laughs with the other's response, you have a good idea what that unseen person said. In fact you laugh with them.

The gospel of John makes us privy to this intensely personal conversation of Jesus with his God. It teaches us to forget every other notion of God we might have and listen to what he says. His Father is worthy of our trust. We know that because we believe in Jesus, and we know he is no fool. We know we can approach his God through him with utter confidence because Jesus is so approachable. He leads us into his Father’s presence with simple charm saying, “You have nothing to fear.” There is no God like Jesus’ Father, and there is no other God.

The Muslims have many beautiful insights about God. Their ninety-nine names of Allah is a wonderful litany. But they have not overheard Jesus’ conversation with God. They do not know the humility and meekness of God as we have seen in Jesus. Nor do they know the Holy Spirit who flourishes between the Father and the Son and fills the hearts of believers. As we welcome Muslims into our neighborhoods, schools and places of work our courtesy and friendliness will reveal the sublime humility of God. Perhaps, after meeting us, they will say with Saint Francis of Assisi, “Look at the humility of God!”