Where the synoptic gospels cite Old Testament passages about
the coming messiah, the Gospel of John refers back to Jesus’ own prophecies. He
needs no greater authority than himself and we should not either. He warns us
there will be persecutions. When they begin we should remember his warnings and
understand with all the more assurance, “I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you.”
Surely those who
are tortured or hear the approach of their executioners know abandonment at its
worse. Etty
Hillesum, as she waited for extradition in a Nazi collection camp,
knew the British and Americans were not coming to save the interned Jews. She
heard her neighbors and friends reassure one another with the promise of deliverance "when the British and Americans arrive." She was called
inward to rely on a more mysterious promise.
Jesus knew futility as he waited on the cross; but, in the Gospel of John we do not hear his
last, despairing cry, “Why have you abandoned me?” In the fourth gospel he retains
the office of high priest, offering himself to God and surrendering his life
when he chooses to do so – that is, when the
hour had come to give his Beloved Disciple and his Mother to one another.
As we ponder and
pray through the Gospel of John during the Easter Season we should contemplate
the absolute authority of Jesus. If we suffer hardship we cannot be surprised
because he told us beforehand this would happen.
When someone
tells me, “You’re going to turn left on such
and such a road, and then you’re going to drive ten country miles….” I know
I’m going to feel like I must have missed my turn. A country mile of narrow
lanes, sharp turns, and unpaved dirt feels like twenty Interstate miles. I will often wonder "How much farther is it?", and "Do I have enough fuel to get there?" Remembering my
friend’s assurance I persist on that long route to my destination.
Jesus has walked
this way ahead of us; he walks it again with us. “Remember what I told you… do
not be afraid.”
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I love to write. This blog helps me to meditate on the Word of God, and I hope to make some contribution to our contemplations of God's Mighty Works.
Ordinarily, I write these reflections two or three weeks in advance of their publication. I do not intend to comment on current events.
I understand many people prefer gender-neutral references to "God." I don't disagree with them but find that language impersonal, unappealing and tasteless. When I refer to "God" I think of the One whom Jesus called "Abba" and "Father", and I would not attempt to improve on Jesus' language.
You're welcome to add a thought or raise a question.