We start this week of reflecting on the words of Pope John Paul ll “Lent is a time of truth. Christians, called by the Church to prayer, penance, fasting and self-sacrifice, place themselves before God and recognise themselves; they rediscover themselves.”
But what is Truth?
Once the Devil was walking along with one of his cohorts. They saw a man ahead of them pick up something shiny. "What did he find?" asked the cohort.
"A piece of the truth," the Devil replied.
"Doesn't it bother you that he found a piece of the truth?" asked the cohort.
"No," said the Devil, "I will see to it that he makes a religion out of it."
Jesus hearers were stuck in their sense of themselves, in the pride they took in their heritage. Perhaps I can admit that I too have sometimes climbed the wrong heights, have congratulated myself mistakenly. I know that my true dignity lives in my being a child of God. I pray that I may show my true worth in how I live and call others to a deeper and richer sense of themselves.
In John 17:17 we find Jesus praying, “Make them holy in the truth. Your word is truth.”
Jesus hearers were stuck in their sense of themselves, in the pride they took in their heritage. Perhaps I can admit that I too have sometimes climbed the wrong heights, have congratulated myself mistakenly. I know that my true dignity lives in my being a child of God. I pray that I may show my true worth in how I live and call others to a deeper and richer sense of themselves.
Jesus wants to lead us into truth so that we may be free. If we truly desire freedom, we need to be ready to accept the truth. There is nothing threatening or accusatory here-it is about being known fully and loved deeply.
John shows the people who listened to Jesus as being prickly and precious, quick to defend their religion and righteousness. Jesus’ reply shows them that they have forgotten love and relationship.
In you, Lord my God, I put my trust. I trust in you; do not let me be put to shame, nor let my enemies triumph over me. No one who hopes in you will ever be put to shame, but shame will come on those who are treacherous without cause. Show me your ways, Lord, teach me your paths. Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Saviour, and my hope is in you all day long. Amen
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