Word to the Wise
Thursday, May 5, 2011 - 2nd Week of Easter - Thurs
[Acts 5:27-33 and John 3:31-36,896]The one who comes from above is above all. The one who is of the earth is earthly and speaks of earthly things. But the one who comes from heaven is above all. [John]
The Gospel of John often seems like a mix of "representational" art and "abstract" art! There are vivid scenes with interesting character and dialog, which is what I am calling "representational." These scenes are often followed by long "discourses" which seem to be "abstract" explanations of the scenes. As we saw yesterday, in the discourses it is not always possible to distinguish between Jesus' words [ipsissima verba] and those of the evangelist, nor does it make a difference for most folks since we regard all the scripture as inspired by God. The more difficult task for most of us is trying to understand these "discourses" and what the preaching is saying to us [an everyday task for this preacher/writer!].
One helpful way of working with all of this is to look for "patterns" and "themes." These appear both in the "representational" and "abstract" parts of the gospel and "play off" one another in the overall portrait. In the representational parts, the pattern of statement-misunderstanding-restatement often occurs. Go back earlier in the current chapter of John (3) to the encounter with Nicodemus where Jesus speaks of being born from above by water and the Spirit. Nicodemus misunderstands and responds that once a person is born there's no returning to the physical womb. Jesus restates by saying unless one is born of water and spirit, etc.. In the "abstract" parts, the patterns and themes of "above and below," "light and darkness," "testimony/judgment" are prominent. Often Jesus will use the expression, I AM - "the way, the truth and the life," "the good shepherd," "the true vine," "the resurrection and the life," "the light of the world." A quick re-reading of the "Prologue" [Chap 1} will help establish how these themes and patterns will be influential.
In today's gospel scripture, the themes of "above/below," and "testimony/judgment" appear. Faith in the testimony of Jesus, who has become flesh, enables the believer to bridge the gap between what is above and below and makes eternal life available in the present to the one who believes because of the work of the Spirit. Those who disregard the testimony of the Son must accept the consequences. The confrontational tone of the discourse may reflect the controversies occurring between the early Christian community and non-believers, but our own struggles with secularity in our day can provide us with a way of understanding the words. As the Easter season continues, I hope to continue calling attention to these "themes" and "patterns" in the Gospel of John and invite you to reflect with me on their importance for us. AMEN
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