Word to the Wise
Thursday, March 22, 2012 - 4th Week of Lent - Thurs
[Exod 32:7-14 and John 5:31-47]The works that the Father gave me to accomplish, these works that I perform testify on my behalf that the Father has sent me. Moreover, the Father who sent me has testified on my behalf.
Today's gospel scripture presents a moment in John's portrayal of Jesus when he argues with Jewish religious antagonists. These arguments take on a legalistic tone with terms like "testimony" and "judgment" featured in the language. The period in which the Gospel of John was written was one in which the Christian community was experiencing some rejection from the synagogue because of their preaching about Jesus. The antagonism finds its way into the gospel and should not be confused with the terrible scourge of modern anti-semitism. (The Gospel of John has unfortunately been used for this purpose.) I, for one, find this gospel to be a very spiritually rewarding experience. One could take the "signs" - e.g. the Marriage Feast at Cana (Ch. 2) or the healing of the man born blind (Ch. 9), or Jesus' images of the Good Shepherd (Ch. 10) or the Vine and Branches (Ch. 15) for meditation. One could read the "mini-dramas" that show the profound development of faith in a person - e.g. the Samaritan Woman (ch. 4) or the Man Born Blind (Ch. 9). The Passion account is a truly dramatic experience and is always read by the Church on Good Friday. The majestic poem that forms the Prologue is a wonderful meditative resource. (A former student parishioner of mine, now a Jesuit priest and scripture scholar, Fr. Felix Just, SJ, has developed an entire retreat on this gospel!.)
I mention all of this because I think so many of us settle for a minimum Lent of "giving up" a cherished "goodie" for forty days and then taking it up again with delight on Easter Sunday! Are we any closer to the Lord for the experience? Why now take up the challenge of an in-depth reading of the Gospel of John (or any of the other three gospels). This could lead to something that can have a profound and enriching effect on our life of faith. AMEN
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