A Homily for Easter by St John Chrysostom

EASTER, THE FEAST OF FEASTS

A Homily of Saint John Chrysostom, Archbishop of Constantinople, on the Holy and Radiant Day of the Most Glorious and Saving Resurrection of Christ our God.


In the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
If any be pious and a lover of God, let him partake of this fair and radiant festival. If any be a faithful servant, let him come in rejoicing in the joy of his Lord. If any have wearied himself with fasting, let him now enjoy his reward. If any have laboured from the first hour, let him today receive his rightful due. If any have come at the third, let him feast with thankfulness. If any have arrived at the sixth, let him in no wise be in doubt, for in nothing shall he suffer loss. If any be as late as the ninth, let him draw near, let him in no wise hesitate. If any arrive only at the eleventh, let him not be fearful on account of his slowness. For the Master is bountiful and receives the last even as the first. He gives rest to him of the eleventh hour even as to him who has laboured from the first. He is merciful to the last, and provides for the first. To one He gives, and to another He shows kindness. He receives the works, and welcomes the intention. He honours the act, and commends the purpose.

Enter ye all, therefore, into the joy of our Lord, and let both the first and those who come after partake of the reward. Rich and poor, dance one with another. Ye who fast and ye who fast not, rejoice today. The table is full-laden: do ye all fare sumptuously. The calf is ample: let none go forth hungry. Let all partake of the banquet of faith. Let all partake of the riches of goodness. Let none lament his poverty; for the Kingdom is manifested for all. Let none bewail his transgressions; for pardon has dawned from the tomb. Let none fear death; for the death of the Saviour has set us free. He has quenched death, Who was subdued by it. He has despoiled Hades, Who descended into Hades. Hades was embittered when it tasted of His flesh, and Isaiah, anticipating this, cried out saying: Hades was embittered when it met Thee face to face below. It was embittered, for it was rendered void. It was embittered, for it was mocked. It was embittered, for it was slain. It was embittered, for it was despoiled. It was embittered, for it was fettered. It received a body, and it encountered God. It received earth, and came face to face with Heaven. It received that which it saw, and fell whence it saw not.

O Death, where is thy sting? O Hades, where is thy victory? Christ is risen and thou art cast down. Christ is risen and the demons have fallen. Christ is risen and the angels rejoice. Christ is risen and life is made free. Christ is risen and there is none dead in the tomb. For Christ is raised from the dead, and become the first-fruits of them that slept. To Him be glory and dominion from all ages to all ages.
Amen.

Gospel for 08 April, 2007

In the beginning was the Word: the Word was with God and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things came into being, not one thing came into being except through him. What has come into being in him was life, life that was the light of men; and light shines in darkness, and darkness could not overpower it. A man came, sent by God. His name was John. He came as a witness, to bear witness to the light, so that everyone might believe through him. He was not the light, he was to bear witness to the light. The Word was the real light that gives light to everyone; he was coming into the world. He was in the world that had come into being through him, and the world did not recognise him. He came to his own and his own people did not accept him. But to those who did accept him he gave power to become children of God, to those who believed in his name who were born not from human stock or human desire or human will but from God himself. The Word became flesh, he lived among us, and we saw his glory, the glory that he has from the Father as only Son of the Father, full of grace and truth. John witnesses to him. He proclaims: ‘This is the one of whom I said: He who comes after me has passed ahead of me because he existed before me.' Indeed, from his fullness we have, all of us, received— one gift replacing another, for the Law was given through Moses, grace and truth have come through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God; it is the only Son, who is close to the Father's heart, who has made him known. (John 1:1-18 NJB)

Alleluia! Christ is Risen!

It is no accident that the Gospel for today. Easter, Holy Pascha, the Feast of Feasts, is identical with the Gospel for Christmas Day. Together Easter and Christmas proclaim the entirity of the Gospel message of Jesus, "God was in Christ reconciling the world unto Himself."

The Lord is Risen, indeed. Alleluia!

Gospel for 07 April, 2007

Let us beware, then: since the promise never lapses, none of you must think that he has come too late for the promise of entering his place of rest. We received the gospel exactly as they did; but hearing the message did them no good because they did not share the faith of those who did listen. We, however, who have faith, are entering a place of rest, as in the text: And then in my anger I swore that they would never enter my place of rest. Now God's work was all finished at the beginning of the world; as one text says, referring to the seventh day: And God rested on the seventh day after all the work he had been doing. And, again, the passage above says: They will never reach my place of rest. It remains the case, then, that there would be some people who would reach it, and since those who first heard the good news were prevented from entering by their refusal to believe, God fixed another day, a Today, when he said through David in the text already quoted: If only you would listen to him today; do not harden your hearts. If Joshua had led them into this place of rest, God would not later have spoken of another day. There must still be, therefore, a seventh-day rest reserved for God's people, 10 since to enter the place of rest is to rest after your work, as God did after his. Let us, then, press forward to enter this place of rest, or some of you might copy this example of refusal to believe and be lost. The word of God is something alive and active: it cuts more incisively than any two-edged sword: it can seek out the place where soul is divided from spirit, or joints from marrow; it can pass judgement on secret emotions and thoughts. No created thing is hidden from him; everything is uncovered and stretched fully open to the eyes of the one to whom we must give account of ourselves.

Since in Jesus, the Son of God, we have the supreme high priest who has gone through to the highest heaven, we must hold firm to our profession of faith. For the high priest we have is not incapable of feeling our weaknesses with us, but has been put to the test in exactly the same way as ourselves, apart from sin. Let us, then, have no fear in approaching the throne of grace to receive mercy and to find grace when we are in need of help. (Hebrews 4:1-16 NJB)

The Gospel for today, Holy Saturday, is that there is no Gospel. Today, as the author of the Epistle to the Hebrews suggests there is but a Sabbath Day of rest, as there was for the first Disciples. The Passover of our God is upon us and those of us who have come to faith in Jesus Christ relax this day, contemplate the mighty works of God who has brought us out of bondage to sin and death and into the glorious light of freedom, peace, and life, "as we await in joyful hope for the coming of our Saviour..."

Gospel for 6 April, 2007

Simon Peter said, ‘Lord, where are you going?' Jesus replied, ‘Now you cannot follow me where I am going, but later you shall follow me.' Peter said to him, ‘Why can I not follow you now? I will lay down my life for you.' ‘Lay down your life for me?' answered Jesus. ‘In all truth I tell you, before the cock crows you will have disowned me three times.' (John 13:36-28 NJB)

What else is there to say? Jesus is condemned to death and even his closest friends deny so much as knowing Him. The old spiritual, "Were You There" asks if we, you and I, were at Calvary when He was crucified. The truth is that we, you and I, were not only there it was us who swung the hammer to drive the nails into his hands and feet. It was we who crowned Him with thorns, mocked and spit upon Him and struck Him with rods. It was we who gave Him vinegar to drink and who cast lots for His raiment. It was we who pierced His side with the spear and who laid Him in the tomb. Our disobedience, our sin, crucified the Lord of Life.

My people, what have I done to you, or in what have I offended you? Answer me. What more should I have done, and did not do? I led you out of the land of Egypt, and you prepared a cross for me. I opened the Red Sea before you, and you opened my side with a lance. I gave you a royal scepter, and you have given me a crown of thorns. With great power I lifted you up, and you have hung me upon a cross. My people, what have I done to you, or in what have I offended you? Answer me. (from the Reproaches of Good Friday)

It was our weaknesses that he carried, our sufferings that he endured, while we thought of him as stricken, as one struck by God and afflicted. But he was pierced for our offenses, crushed for our sins; upon him was the punishment that makes us whole, by his stripes we were healed. We had all gone astray like sheep, each following his own way; but the Lord laid upon him the guilt of us all. (Is. 53:4-6)

We adore you O Christ, and we praise You. Because by your holy Cross You have redeemed the world.

Another Visit with Brother Lawrence

FIFTEENTH AND FINAL LETTER

From his death-bed. * Repeats the same exhortation to knowledge, that we may love.

GOD knoweth best what is needful for us, and all that He does is for our good. If we knew how much He loves us, we should be always ready to receive equally and with indifference from His hand the sweet and the bitter; all would please that came from Him. The sorest afflictions never appear intolerable, but when we see them in the wrong light. When we see them in the hand of GOD, who dispenses them: when we know that it is our loving FATHER, who abases and distresses us: our sufferings will lose their bitterness, and become even matter of consolation.

Let all our employment be to know GOD: the more one knows Him, the more one desires to know Him. And as knowledge is commonly the measure of love, the deeper and more extensive our knowledge shall be, the greater will be our love: and if our love of GOD were great we should love Him equally in pains and pleasures.

Let us not amuse ourselves to seek or to love GOD for any sensible favours (how elevated soever) which He has or may do us. Such favours, though never so great, cannot bring us so near to GOD as faith does in one simple act.

Let us seek Him often by faith: He is within us; seek Him not elsewhere. Are we not rude and deserve blame, if we leave Him alone, to busy ourselves about trifles, which do not please Him and perhaps offend Him? ‘Tis to be feared these trifles will one day cost us dear.

Let us begin to be devoted to Him in good earnest. Let us cast everything besides out of our hearts; He would possess them alone. Beg this favour of Him. If we do what we can on our parts, we shall soon see that change wrought in us which we aspire after. I cannot thank Him sufficiently for the relaxation He has vouchsafed you. I hope from His mercy the favour to see Him within a few days. Let us pray for one another.

[He took to his bed two days after and died within the week.]

Gospel for 5 April, 2007

After saying this, Jesus raised his eyes to heaven and said: Father, the hour has come: glorify your Son so that your Son may glorify you; so that, just as you have given him power over all humanity, he may give eternal life to all those you have entrusted to him. And eternal life is this: to know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. I have glorified you on earth by finishing the work that you gave me to do. Now, Father, glorify me with that glory I had with you before ever the world existed. I have revealed your name to those whom you took from the world to give me. They were yours and you gave them to me, and they have kept your word. Now at last they have recognised that all you have given me comes from you for I have given them the teaching you gave to me, and they have indeed accepted it and know for certain that I came from you, and have believed that it was you who sent me. It is for them that I pray. I am not praying for the world but for those you have given me, because they belong to you. All I have is yours and all you have is mine, and in them I am glorified. I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, keep those you have given me true to your name, so that they may be one like us. While I was with them, I kept those you had given me true to your name. I have watched over them and not one is lost except one who was destined to be lost, and this was to fulfil the scriptures. But now I am coming to you and I say these things in the world to share my joy with them to the full. I passed your word on to them, and the world hated them, because they belong to the world no more than I belong to the world. I am not asking you to remove them from the world, but to protect them from the Evil One. They do not belong to the world any more than I belong to the world. Consecrate them in the truth; your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world, and for their sake I consecrate myself so that they too may be consecrated in truth. I pray not only for these but also for those who through their teaching will come to believe in me. May they all be one, just as, Father, you are in me and I am in you, so that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe it was you who sent me. I have given them the glory you gave to me, that they may be one as we are one. With me in them and you in me, may they be so perfected in unity that the world will recognise that it was you who sent me and that you have loved them as you have loved me. Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, so that they may always see my glory which you have given me because you loved me before the foundation of the world. Father, Upright One, the world has not known you, but I have known you, and these have known that you have sent me. I have made your name known to them and will continue to make it known, so that the love with which you loved me may be in them, and so that I may be in them. (John 17:1-26 NJB)

One of the most amazing aspects of the entire story of Jesus' last few hours on earth is that while at table with His friends, He took time out to pray for them and for those who came to faith trusting in their testimony. Have you ever thought of the hypothetical, 'what if you knew you had 24 hours to live?' How many of us listed praying for our friends as a priority; something to be certain to do, in that final 24 hours? Yet here in today's Gospel, Jesus does exactly that. He prays that we may be protected from the Evil One, that we might be consecrated in God's own eternal truth and that we might be united, even as He is united with the Father. His heart must have been breaking, tearing itself apart with every beat, knowing that His own people were rejecting Him and His message of love, peace and reconciliation. Yet even in these last hours His concern, His focus is on those very people who are rejecting Him. The old standard Gospel hymn, "The Old Rugged Cross"speaks of a "a love so divine, so wondrous'. Here is the proof of just that.

Another Visit with Brother Lawrence

FOURTEENTH LETTER

Gratitude, for mercies to his correspondent, and measure of relief while he has himself been near death, but with consolation in his suffering.

I RENDER thanks to our LORD, for having relieved you a little, according to your desire. I have been often near expiring, though I was never so much satisfied as then. Accordingly I did not pray for any relief, but I prayed for strength to suffer with courage, humility, and love. Ah, how sweet is it to suffer with GOD! however great the sufferings may be, receive them with love. “Tis paradise to suffer and be with Him; so that if in this life we would enjoy the peace of paradise, we must accustom ourselves to a familiar, humble, affectionate conversation with Him: we must hinder our spirits wandering from Him upon any occasion: we must make our heart a spiritual temple, wherein to adore Him incessantly: we must watch continually over ourselves, that we may not do, nor say, nor think anything that may displease Him. When our minds are thus employed about GOD, suffering will become full of unction and consolation.

I know that to arrive at this state, the beginning is very difficult; for we must act purely in faith. But though it is difficult, we know also that we can do all things with the grace of GOD, which He never refuses to them who ask it earnestly. Knock, persevere in knocking, and I answer for it that He will open to you in His due time, and grant you all at once what He has deferred during many years. Adieu. Pray to Him for me, as I pray to Him for you. I hope to see Him quickly.

Gospel for 4 April, 2007

Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour: but for this cause came I unto this hour. Father, glorify thy name. Then came there a voice from heaven, saying, I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again. The people therefore, that stood by, and heard it, said that it thundered: others said, An angel spake to him. Jesus answered and said, This voice came not because of me, but for your sakes. Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out. And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me. This he said, signifying what death he should die. The people answered him, We have heard out of the law that Christ abideth for ever: and how sayest thou, The Son of man must be lifted up? who is this Son of man? Then Jesus said unto them, Yet a little while is the light with you. Walk while ye have the light, lest darkness come upon you: for he that walketh in darkness knoweth not whither he goeth. While ye have light, believe in the light, that ye may be the children of light. These things spake Jesus, and departed, and did hide himself from them. (John 12:27-36 KJV)

The storm clouds continue to gather. The time is short. Jesus knows full well what the result of His refusal to accept Kingship at the head of an army will mean. He will be lifted up, just as Moses lifted up the bronze serpent in the desert, and by being lifted up, He will draw all men to Himself. His kingdom is not Israel only, but universal, and to claim it, He only has to die.

Gospel for 3 April, 2007

Among those who went up to worship at the festival were some Greeks. These approached Philip, who came from Bethsaida in Galilee, and put this request to him, ‘Sir, we should like to see Jesus.' Philip went to tell Andrew, and Andrew and Philip together went to tell Jesus. Jesus replied to them: Now the hour has come for the Son of man to be glorified. In all truth I tell you, unless a wheat grain falls into the earth and dies, it remains only a single grain; but if it dies it yields a rich harvest. Anyone who loves his life loses it; anyone who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. Whoever serves me, must follow me, and my servant will be with me wherever I am. If anyone serves me, my Father will honour him. Now my soul is troubled. What shall I say: Father, save me from this hour? But it is for this very reason that I have come to this hour. Father, glorify your name! A voice came from heaven, ‘I have glorified it, and I will again glorify it. (John 12:20-28 NJB)

The prophet Zechariah, who foretold that Messiah would come to Jerusalem humbly riding upon a donkey, also proclaimed that Messiah would declare peace to the Gentiles, and that He would rule from sea to sea. (Zech. 9:10) The Greeks coming to see Jesus in the selection from the Gospel for today is presented by St John as yet another proof that what was foretold was foretold about Jesus. His hour is now upon Him and the truth of Who and What Jesus is is about to be revealed for all the world to see and to hear.
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Gospel for 02 March, 2007

Meanwhile a large number of Jews heard that he was there and came not only on account of Jesus but also to see Lazarus whom he had raised from the dead. Then the chief priests decided to kill Lazarus as well, since it was on his account that many of the Jews were leaving them and believing in Jesus. The next day the great crowd of people who had come up for the festival heard that Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem. They took branches of palm and went out to receive him, shouting: ‘Hosanna! Blessed is he who is coming in the name of the Lord, the king of Israel.' Jesus found a young donkey and mounted it—as scripture says: Do not be afraid, daughter of Zion; look, your king is approaching, riding on the foal of a donkey. At first his disciples did not understand this, but later, after Jesus had been glorified, they remembered that this had been written about him and that this was what had happened to him. The crowd who had been with him when he called Lazarus out of the tomb and raised him from the dead kept bearing witness to it; this was another reason why the crowd came out to receive him: they had heard that he had given this sign. Then the Pharisees said to one another, ‘You see, you are making no progress; look, the whole world has gone after him!' (John 12:9-19 NJB)

The last verse of the Gospel for today sums up the reality of the last week of Jesus' life. The Pharisees are talking amongst themselves and their only concern is that the people have chosen to follow Jesus and they are losing their influence. They must, therefore, not only oppose Jesus, they must ramp up the opposition and turn it more militantly against Him. Their determination to put an end to this Jesus problem is set. There can be no turning back now.

Another Visit with Brother Lawrence

THIRTEENTH LETTER

To the same he exhorts for fuller and entire confidence in God, for body and soul.

I AM in pain to see you suffer so long; what gives me some ease, and sweetens the feeling I have of your griefs, is that they are proofs of GOD’s love towards you: see them in that view, and you will bear them more easily. As your case is, ’tis my opinion that you should leave off human remedies, and resign yourself entirely to the providence of GOD; perhaps He stays only for that resignation and a perfect trust in Him to cure you.

Since notwithstanding all your cares, physic has hitherto proved unsuccessful, and your malady still increases, it will not be tempting GOD to abandon yourself in His hands, and expect all from Him.

I told you, in my last, that He sometimes permits bodily diseases to cure the distempers of the soul. Have courage then: make a virtue of necessity: ask of GOD, not deliverance from your pains, but strength to bear resolutely, for the love of Him, all that He should please, and as long as He shall please.

Such prayers, indeed, are a little hard to nature, but most acceptable to GOD, and sweet to those that love Him. Love sweetens pains; and when one loves GOD, one suffers for His sake with joy and courage. Do you so, I beseech you; comfort yourself with Him, who is the only Physician of all our maladies. He is the FATHER of the afflicted, always ready to help us. He loves us infinitely more than we imagine: love Him then, and seek not consolation elsewhere: I hope you will soon receive it. Adieu. I will help you with my prayers, poor as they are, and shall be, always, yours in our LORD.

Gospel for 1 April, 2007

Jesus then went into the Temple and drove out all those who were selling and buying there; he upset the tables of the money-changers and the seats of the dove-sellers. He said to them, ‘According to scripture, my house will be called a house of prayer; but you are turning it into a bandits' den.' There were also blind and lame people who came to him in the Temple, and he cured them. At the sight of the wonderful things he did and of the children shouting, ‘Hosanna to the son of David' in the Temple, the chief priests and the scribes were indignant and said to him, ‘Do you hear what they are saying?' Jesus answered, ‘Yes. Have you never read this: By the mouths of children, babes in arms, you have made sure of praise?' With that he left them and went out of the city to Bethany, where he spent the night.

The acclaim that Jesus recieved was never refused. Jesus never denied His right to Kingship over Isreal. All He denied was the use of military force to bring it about. His Kingship was not to be bought with the shed blood of armies. His kingsom was purchased with His own Blood freely sacrificed on the cross.

Another Visit with Brother Lawrence

TWELFTH LETTER

To the same correspondent probably, and expresses his own abiding comfort through faith.

IF we were well accustomed to the exercise of the presence of GOD, all bodily diseases would be much alleviated thereby. GOD often permits that we should suffer a little, to purify our souls, and oblige us to continue with Him.

Take courage, offer Him your pains incessantly, pray to Him for strength to endure them. Above all, get a habit of entertaining yourself often with GOD, and forget Him the least you can. Adore Him in your infirmities, offer yourself to Him from time to time; and, in the height of your sufferings, beseech Him humbly and affectionately (as a child his father) to make you conformable to His holy will. I shall endeavour to assist you with my poor prayers.

GOD has many ways of drawing us to Himself. He sometimes hides Himself from us: but faith alone, which will not fail us in time of need, ought to be our support, and the foundation of our confidence, which must be all in GOD.

I know not how GOD will dispose of me: I am always happy: all the world suffer; and I, who deserve the severest discipline, feel joys so continual, and so great, that I can scarce contain them.

I would willingly ask of GOD a part of your sufferings, but that I know my weakness, which is so great, that if He left me one moment to myself, I should be the most wretched man alive. And yet I know not how He can leave me alone, because faith gives me as strong a conviction as sense can do, that He never forsakes us, till we have first forsaken Him. Let us fear to leave Him. Let us be always with Him. Let us live and die in His presence.

Do you pray for me, as I for you.

Gospel for 31 March, 2007

When she had said this, she went and called her sister Mary, saying in a low voice, ‘The Master is here and wants to see you.' Hearing this, Mary got up quickly and went to him. Jesus had not yet come into the village; he was still at the place where Martha had met him. When the Jews who were in the house comforting Mary saw her get up so quickly and go out, they followed her, thinking that she was going to the tomb to weep there. Mary went to Jesus, and as soon as she saw him she threw herself at his feet, saying, ‘Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.' At the sight of her tears, and those of the Jews who had come with her, Jesus was greatly distressed, and with a profound sigh he said ‘Where have you put him?' They said, ‘Lord, come and see.' Jesus wept; and the Jews said, ‘See how much he loved him!' But there were some who remarked, ‘He opened the eyes of the blind man. Could he not have prevented this man's death?' Sighing again, Jesus reached the tomb: it was a cave with a stone to close the opening. Jesus said, ‘Take the stone away.' Martha, the dead man's sister, said to him, ‘Lord, by now he will smell; this is the fourth day since he died.' Jesus replied, ‘Have I not told you that if you believe you will see the glory of God?' So they took the stone away. Then Jesus lifted up his eyes and said: Father, I thank you for hearing my prayer. I myself knew that you hear me always, but I speak for the sake of all these who are standing around me, so that they may believe it was you who sent me. When he had said this, he cried in a loud voice, ‘Lazarus, come out!' The dead man came out, his feet and hands bound with strips of material, and a cloth over his face. Jesus said to them, ‘Unbind him, let him go free.' (John 11:28-44 NJB)

Today's Gospel lesson, the day the Orthodox celebrate as Lazarus Day, contains the answer to a popular Bible trivia answer, "what is the shortest verse in the Bible?" The answer is John 11:35, "Jesus wept." The funny thing is that though it may be the shortest, it may also be one of the most profound verses in the Bible.

These two little words tell us a lot about the person of Jesus. They say He was indeed like us. He knew about resurrection and new life. He knew the Father as no one else could. Hhe knew that there was more to life than just the transitory existence that we see around us. But He also knew the real human emotion of grief. He knew what it meant to lose a loved one. He understands how our human hearts ache and cry out against the injustice and lovelessness of death. He knows. He understands. He is one with us in every way.

I have always appreciated the real, often ignored truth, that today's Gospel also includes. As the King James Version records it, "it has been four days, and he stinketh." That's what happens to human bodies in hot climates, when they are not embalmed. The process of rot takes over and after a few days they stink of death and rot. Jesus knew that. And Jesus knew it was to be His legacy also. He, the Lord of life, would experience the horror, and the stench of death. Even enthroned back at the Father's right Hand, He through Whom all things were made, is never beyond the memory of dying and of rotting in the grave. The most sublime of truths is that even with that knowledge, even knowing that He would be so rejected by His own people, He willing came and endured it all so that we might be reconciled to God. He embraced what was completely antithetical to His Nature so that we might be empowered to embrace His Nature and become children of God.

Another Visit with Brother Lawrence

ELEVENTH LETTER

To one who is in great pain. God is the Physician of body and of soul. * Feels that he would gladly suffer at His wish.

I DO not pray that you may be delivered from your pains; but I pray GOD earnestly that He would give you strength and patience to bear them as long as He pleases. Comfort yourself with Him who holds you fastened to the cross: He will loose you when He thinks fit. Happy those who suffer with Him: accustom yourself to suffer in that manner, and seek from Him the strength to endure as much, and as long, as He shall judge to be necessary for you. The men of the world do not comprehend these truths, nor is it to be wondered at, since they suffer like what they are, and not like Christians: they consider sickness as a pain to nature, and not as a favour from GOD; and seeing it only in that light, they find nothing in it but grief and distress. But those who consider sickness as coming from the hand of GOD, as the effects of His mercy, and the means which He employs for their salvation, commonly find in it great sweetness and sensible consolation.

I wish you could convince yourself that GOD is often (in some sense) nearer to us and more effectually present with us, in sickness than in health. Rely upon no other Physician, for, according to my apprehension, He reserves your cure to Himself. Put then all your trust in Him, and you will soon find the effects of it in your recovery, which we often retard, by putting greater confidence in physic than in GOD.

Whatever remedies you make use of, they will succeed only so far as He permits. When pains come from GOD, He only can cure them. He often sends diseases of the body, to cure those of the soul. Comfort yourself with the sovereign Physician both of soul and body.

I foresee that you will tell me that I am very much at my ease, that I eat and drink at the table of the LORD. YOU have reason: but think you that it would be a small pain to the greatest criminal in the world, to eat at the king’s table, and be served by him, and notwithstanding such favours to be without assurance of pardon? I believe he would feel exceeding great uneasiness, and such as nothing could moderate, but only his trust in the goodness of his sovereign. So I assure you, that whatever pleasures I taste at the table of my King, yet my sins, ever present before my eyes, as well as the uncertainty of my pardon, torment me, though in truth that torment itself is pleasing.

Be satisfied with the condition in which GOD places you: however happy you may think me, I envy you. Pains and suffering would be a paradise to me, while I should suffer with my GOD; and the greatest pleasure would be hell to me, if I could relish them without Him; all my consolation would be to suffer something for His sake.

I must, in a little time, go to GOD. What comforts me in this life is, that I now see Him by faith; and I see Him in such a manner as might make me say sometimes, I believe no more, but I see. I feel what faith teaches us, and, in that assurance and that practice of faith, I will live and die with Him.

Continue then always with GOD: ’tis the only support and comfort for your affliction. I shall beseech Him to be with you. I present my service.

Gospel for 30 March, 2007

There was a man named Lazarus of Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister, Martha, and he was ill. It was the same Mary, the sister of the sick man Lazarus, who anointed the Lord with ointment and wiped his feet with her hair. The sisters sent this message to Jesus, ‘Lord, the man you love is ill.' On receiving the message, Jesus said, ‘This sickness will not end in death, but it is for God's glory so that through it the Son of God may be glorified.' Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus, yet when he heard that he was ill he stayed where he was for two more days before saying to the disciples, ‘Let us go back to Judaea.' The disciples said, ‘Rabbi, it is not long since the Jews were trying to stone you; are you going back there again?' Jesus replied: Are there not twelve hours in the day? No one who walks in the daytime stumbles, having the light of this world to see by; anyone who walks around at night stumbles, having no light as a guide. He said that and then added, ‘Our friend Lazarus is at rest; I am going to wake him.' The disciples said to him, ‘Lord, if he is at rest he will be saved.' Jesus was speaking of the death of Lazarus, but they thought that by ‘rest' he meant ‘sleep'; so Jesus put it plainly, ‘Lazarus is dead; and for your sake I am glad I was not there because now you will believe. But let us go to him.' Then Thomas—known as the Twin—said to the other disciples, ‘Let us also go to die with him.' On arriving, Jesus found that Lazarus had been in the tomb for four days already. Bethany is only about two miles from Jerusalem, and many Jews had come to Martha and Mary to comfort them about their brother. When Martha heard that Jesus was coming she went to meet him. Mary remained sitting in the house. Martha said to Jesus, ‘Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died, but even now I know that God will grant whatever you ask of him.' Jesus said to her, ‘Your brother will rise again.' Martha said, ‘I know he will rise again at the resurrection on the last day.' Jesus said: I am the resurrection. Anyone who believes in me, even though that person dies, will live, and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this? ‘Yes, Lord,' she said, ‘I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, the one who was to come into this world.' (John 11:1-27 NJB)

By the time that today's vignette occurred, the Twelve knew what was coming. They knew that Jesus had antagonized the powers that be once too often. They could read the writing on the wall. Jesus was marked for death and those who were identified with Him were also going to be marked for death. As Jesus had told them before, "the servant is not greater than the master". What was going to happen to Him would also catch up with them. They all knew it and Thomas was brash enough to say it out loud. "Let us also go, to die with Him".

Those of us who live in North America really do not understand what this means. We may cry and pout that we are persecuted because we are Christians, but in truth we have no idea what it really means to be persecuted and hated for the sake of Jesus. We whine because sales clerks say "Happy Holidays" instead of "Merry Christmas" and loudly proclaim this is evidence that we are a suffering minority. All this really proves is that we are are so spoiled that we have no sense of proportion. We ignore the brothers and sisters we have who are daily living with starvation or bombs exploding around their ears, and focus on "Happy Holidays" as if that really makes a hill of beans worth of difference in the grand eternal scheme of things.

It is well past the time when we should look at what really transpired during Holy Week and then throughout the first Centuries of Church History and realize how marvelously wonderful we have it. And also realize just how poorly we have performed in our task of proclaiming the Gospel to all men and making disciples of all nations. As Holy Week approaches let us truly fall on our knees with our face to the rising sun and cry out, "O Lord, have mercy."

Another Visit with Brother Lawrence

TENTH LETTER

Has difficulty, but sacrifices his will, to write as requested. * The loss of a friend may lead to acquaintance with the Friend.

I HAVE had a good deal of difficulty to bring myself to write to M- and I do it now purely because you and Madam desire me. Pray write the directions and send it to him. I am very well pleased with the trust which you have in GOD: I wish that He may increase it in you more and more: we cannot have too much in so good and faithful a Friend, who will never fail us in this world nor in the next.

If M. - makes his advantage of the loss he has had, and puts all his
confidence in GOD, He will soon give him another friend, more powerful and more inclined to serve him. He disposes of hearts as He pleases. Perhaps M- was too much attached to him he has lost. We ought to love our friends, but without encroaching upon the love of GOD, which must be the principal.

Pray remember what I have recommended to you, which is, to think often on GOD, by day, by night, in your business, and even in your diversions. He is always near you and with you; leave Him not alone. You would think it rude to leave a friend alone, who came to visit you: why then must GOD be neglected? Do not then forget Him, but think on Him often, adore Him continually live and die with Him; this is the glorious employment of a Christian; in a word, this is our profession, if we do not know it we must learn it. I will endeavor to help you with my prayers, and am yours in our LORD.

Gospel for 28 March, 2007

In all truth I tell you, anyone who does not enter the sheepfold through the gate, but climbs in some other way, is a thief and a bandit. He who enters through the gate is the shepherd of the flock; the gatekeeper lets him in, the sheep hear his voice, one by one he calls his own sheep and leads them out. When he has brought out all those that are his, he goes ahead of them, and the sheep follow because they know his voice. They will never follow a stranger, but will run away from him because they do not recognise the voice of strangers.' Jesus told them this parable but they failed to understand what he was saying to them. So Jesus spoke to them again: In all truth I tell you, I am the gate of the sheepfold. All who have come before me are thieves and bandits, but the sheep took no notice of them. I am the gate. Anyone who enters through me will be safe: such a one will go in and out and will find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I have come so that they may have life and have it to the full. I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd lays down his life for his sheep. The hired man, since he is not the shepherd and the sheep do not belong to him, abandons the sheep as soon as he sees a wolf coming, and runs away, and then the wolf attacks and scatters the sheep; he runs away because he is only a hired man and has no concern for the sheep. I am the good shepherd; I know my own and my own know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for my sheep. And there are other sheep I have that are not of this fold, and I must lead these too. They too will listen to my voice, and there will be only one flock, one shepherd. The Father loves me, because I lay down my life in order to take it up again. No one takes it from me; I lay it down of my own free will, and as I have power to lay it down, so I have power to take it up again; and this is the command I have received from my Father. (John 10:1-18 NJB)

Today's Gospel recounts one of Jesus' most famous sayings. "I am the good shepherd." What does that really mean though? Is it just that sentimental picture of Jesus carrying a lanb on His shoulders? No. It means that He is willing to sacrifice His all for the protection of the sheep. It means that He will even lay down His life to keep the sheep safe and protected. He does it willingly so that might have life and have it abundantly. As we approach Holy Week and are so close to once again re-living the events which have accomplished so great a salvation, we should ask why then do we so often act as if we are paupers merely existing on subsistence rations?

Gospel for 27 March, 2007

However, the Jews would not believe that the man had been blind without first sending for the parents of the man who had gained his sight and asking them, ‘Is this man really the son of yours who you say was born blind? If so, how is it that he is now able to see?' His parents answered, ‘We know he is our son and we know he was born blind, but how he can see, we don't know, nor who opened his eyes. Ask him. He is old enough: let him speak for himself.' His parents spoke like this out of fear of the Jews, who had already agreed to ban from the synagogue anyone who should acknowledge Jesus as the Christ. This was why his parents said, ‘He is old enough; ask him.' So the Jews sent for the man again and said to him, ‘Give glory to God! We are satisfied that this man is a sinner.' The man answered, ‘Whether he is a sinner I don't know; all I know is that I was blind and now I can see.' They said to him, ‘What did he do to you? How did he open your eyes?' He replied, ‘I have told you once and you wouldn't listen. Why do you want to hear it all again? Do you want to become his disciples yourselves?' At this they hurled abuse at him, ‘It is you who are his disciple, we are disciples of Moses: we know that God spoke to Moses, but as for this man, we don't know where he comes from.' The man replied, ‘That is just what is so amazing! You don't know where he comes from and he has opened my eyes! We know that God doesn't listen to sinners, but God does listen to people who are devout and do his will. Ever since the world began it is unheard of for anyone to open the eyes of someone born blind; if this man were not from God, he wouldn't have been able to do anything.' They retorted, ‘Are you trying to teach us, and you a sinner through and through ever since you were born!' And they ejected him. Jesus heard they had ejected him, and when he found him he said to him, ‘Do you believe in the Son of man?' ‘Sir,' the man replied, ‘tell me who he is so that I may believe in him.' Jesus said, ‘You have seen him; he is speaking to you.' The man said, ‘Lord, I believe,' and worshipped him. Jesus said: It is for judgement that I have come into this world, so that those without sight may see and those with sight may become blind. Hearing this, some Pharisees who were present said to him, ‘So we are blind, are we?' Jesus replied: If you were blind, you would not be guilty, but since you say, ‘We can see,' your guilt remains. (John 9:18-41 NJB)

One of the main themes in St John's Gospel is the continual war between darkness and light. Those who are pure in heart and seek after God live in the light and those whose motives are filled with self-interest and lack honesty are denizens of the darkness. The Jews who are questioning the man born blind and his family have their minds made up and refuse to be confused by any facts that do not match their preconceived ideas of how the world should be. In their duplicity they prove that they do not belong to the light but are truly those who have been blinded by selfishness, greed and envy. They can have no part in God's Kingdom because God's Kingdom is made manifest in self-sacrificial love and an embrace of truth.

Another Visit with Brother Lawrence

NINTH LETTER

Enclosing a letter to a corresponding sister, whom he regards with respect tinged with fear. * His old theme concisely put.

THE enclosed is an answer to that which I received from - ; pray deliver it to her. She seems to me full of good will, but she would go faster than grace. One does not become holy all at once. I recommend her to you: we ought to help one another by our advice, and yet more by our good examples. You will oblige me to let me hear of her from time to time, and whether she be very fervent and very obedient.

Let us thus think often that our only business in this life is to please GOD that perhaps all besides is but folly and vanity. You and I have lived above forty years in religion [i.e., a monastic life]. Have we employed them in loving and serving GOD, who by His mercy has called us to this state and for that very end? I am filled with shame and confusion, when I reflect on the one hand upon the great favours which GOD has done, and incessantly continues to do, me; and on the other, upon the ill use I have made of them, and my small advancement in the way of perfection.

Since by His mercy He gives us still a little time, let us begin in earnest, let us repair the lost time, let us return with a full assurance to that FATHER of mercies, who is always ready to receive us affectionately. Let us renounce, let us generously renounce, for the love of Him, all that is not Himself; He deserves infinitely more. Let us think of Him perpetually. Let us put all our trust in Him: I doubt not but we shall soon find the effects of it, in receiving the abundance of His grace, with which we can do all things, and without which we can do nothing but sin.

We cannot escape the dangers which abound in life, without the actual and continual help of GOD; let us then pray to Him for it continually. How can we pray to Him without being with Him? How can we be with Him but in thinking of Him often? And how can we often think of Him, but by a holy habit which we should form of it? You will tell me that I am always saying the same thing: it is true, for this is the best and easiest method I know; and as I use no other, I advise all the world to it. We must know before we can love. In order to know GOD, we must often think of Him; and when we come to love Him, we shall then also think of Him often, for our heart will be with our treasure. This is an argument which well deserves your consideration.

Gospel for 26 March, 2007

As he went along, he saw a man who had been blind from birth. His disciples asked him, ‘Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he should have been born blind?' ‘Neither he nor his parents sinned,' Jesus answered, ‘he was born blind so that the works of God might be revealed in him. ‘As long as day lasts we must carry out the work of the one who sent me; the night will soon be here when no one can work. As long as I am in the world I am the light of the world.' Having said this, he spat on the ground, made a paste with the spittle, put this over the eyes of the blind man, and said to him, ‘Go and wash in the Pool of Siloam' (the name means ‘one who has been sent'). So he went off and washed and came back able to see. His neighbours and the people who used to see him before (for he was a beggar) said, ‘Isn't this the man who used to sit and beg?' Some said, ‘Yes, it is the same one.' Others said, ‘No, but he looks just like him.' The man himself said, ‘Yes, I am the one.' So they said to him, ‘Then how is it that your eyes were opened?' He answered, ‘The man called Jesus made a paste, daubed my eyes with it and said to me, “Go off and wash at Siloam”; so I went, and when I washed I gained my sight.' They asked, ‘Where is he?' He answered, ‘I don't know.' They brought to the Pharisees the man who had been blind. It had been a Sabbath day when Jesus made the paste and opened the man's eyes, so when the Pharisees asked him how he had gained his sight, he said, ‘He put a paste on my eyes, and I washed, and I can see.' Then some of the Pharisees said, ‘That man cannot be from God: he does not keep the Sabbath.' Others said, ‘How can a sinner produce signs like this?' And there was division among them. So they spoke to the blind man again, ‘What have you to say about him yourself, now that he has opened your eyes?' The man answered, ‘He is a prophet.' (John 9:1-17 NJB)

The story of the man born blind is really the story of each and every one of us. Each of us in born blind, spiritually. Unless and until we have our own encounter with Jesus and are washed clean, bathed, in the waters of baptism, we are unable to see the truth. Afterwards though, enlivened and empowered by the Holy Spirit, we too can see with new eyes and testify that Jesus is not only a Prophet but much more.

Another Visit with Brother Lawrence

EIGHTH LETTER

Concerning wandering thoughts in prayer.

YOU tell me nothing new: you are not the only one that is troubled with wandering thoughts. Our mind is extremely roving; but as the will is mistress of all our faculties, she must recall them, and carry them to GOD, as their last end.

When the mind, for want of being sufficiently reduced by recollection, at our first engaging in devotion, has contracted certain bad habits of wandering and dissipation, they are difficult to overcome, and commonly draw us, even against our wills, to the things of the earth.

I believe one remedy for this is, to confess our faults, and to humble ourselves before GOD. I do not advise you to use multiplicity of words in prayer; many words and long discourses being often the occasions of wandering: hold yourself in prayer before GOD, like a dumb or paralytic beggar at a rich man’s gate: let it be your business to keep your mind in the presence of the LORD. If it sometimes wander, and withdraw itself from Him, do not much disquiet yourself for that; trouble and disquiet serve rather to distract the mind, than to re-collect it; the will must bring it back in tranquility; if you persevere in this manner, GOD will have pity on you.

One way to re-collect the mind easily in the time of prayer, and preserve it more in tranquility, is not to let it wander too far at other times: you should keep it strictly in the presence of GOD; and being accustomed to think of Him often, you will find it easy to keep your mind calm in the time of prayer, or at least to recall it from its wanderings.

I have told you already at large, in my former letters, of the advantages we may draw from this practice of the presence of GOD: let us set about it seriously and pray for one another.

Gospel for 25 March, 2007

Then he began to teach them that the Son of man was destined to suffer grievously, and to be rejected by the elders and the chief priests and the scribes, and to be put to death, and after three days to rise again; and he said all this quite openly. Then, taking him aside, Peter tried to rebuke him. But, turning and seeing his disciples, he rebuked Peter and said to him, ‘Get behind me, Satan! You are thinking not as God thinks, but as human beings do.' He called the people and his disciples to him and said, ‘If anyone wants to be a follower of mine, let him renounce himself and take up his cross and follow me. Anyone who wants to save his life will lose it; but anyone who loses his life for my sake, and for the sake of the gospel, will save it. What gain, then, is it for anyone to win the whole world and forfeit his life? And indeed what can anyone offer in exchange for his life? For if anyone in this sinful and adulterous generation is ashamed of me and of my words, the Son of man will also be ashamed of him when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.' (Mark 8:31-9:1 NJB)


Today is both the 5th Sunday in Lent and the Great Feast of the Annunciation. The Annunciation is the promise that our Saviour is coming and indeed is already Incarnate among us. Today’s Gospel, and our entire Lenten pilgrimage up to Jerusalem, ending once more at Calvary and the rock-hewn tomb tell us how our salvation, promised in the Annunciation, is to be accomplished. The Incarnation is a necessary ingredient, but it is via the cold, unfeeling truth of betrayal, abandonment, mocking, torture and death of the Son of God, that our salvation, our reconciliation, our restoration are made complete. Jesus, who was born of a woman, born under the Law, had to die under that Law to redeem those who stand condemned under that Law.

One of the paradoxes of the Gospel is that the way of life goes directly through the Valley of the Shadow of Death. Jesus came precisely for that reason, to travel that road through the Valley, tp prepare the way for us and so that along with Him we might be made alive once more.

Another Visit with Brother Lawrence

SEVENTH LETTER

At the age of nearly fourscore exhorts his correspondent, who is sixty-four, to live and die with God and promises and asks for prayer.

I PITY you much. It will be of great importance if you can leave the care of your affairs to, and spend the remainder of your life only in worshipping GOD. He requires no great matters of us; a little remembrance of Him from time to time, a little adoration: sometimes to pray for His grace, sometimes to offer Him your sufferings, and sometimes to return Him thanks for the favours He has given you, and still gives you, in the midst of your troubles, and to console yourself with Him the oftenest you can. Lift up your heart to Him, sometimes even at your meals, and when you are in company: the least little remembrance will always be acceptable to Him. You need not cry very loud; He is nearer to us than we are aware of.

It is not necessary for being with GOD to be always at church; we may make an oratory of our heart, wherein to retire from time to time, to converse with Him in meekness, humility, and love. Every one is capable of such familiar conversation with GOD, some more, some less: He knows what we can do. Let us begin then; perhaps He expects but one generous resolution on our part. Have courage. We have but little time to live; you are near sixty-four, and I am almost eighty. Let us live and die with GOD: sufferings will be sweet and pleasant to us, while we are with Him: and the greatest pleasures will be, without Him, a cruel punishment to us. May He be blessed for all. Amen.

Use yourself then by degrees thus to worship Him, to beg His grace, to offer Him your heart from time to time, in the midst of your business, even every moment if you can. Do not always scrupulously confine yourself to certain rules or particular forms of devotion; but act with a general confidence in GOD, with love and humility. You may assure - of my poor prayers, and that I am their servant and yours particularly.

Gospel for 22 March, 2007

Meanwhile the Jews were complaining to each other about him, because he had said, ‘I am the bread that has come down from heaven.' They were saying, ‘Surely this is Jesus son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know. How can he now say, “I have come down from heaven?” ' Jesus said in reply to them, ‘Stop complaining to each other. ‘No one can come to me unless drawn by the Father who sent me, and I will raise that person up on the last day. It is written in the prophets: They will all be taught by God; everyone who has listened to the Father, and learnt from him, comes to me. Not that anybody has seen the Father, except him who has his being from God: he has seen the Father. In all truth I tell you, everyone who believes has eternal life. I am the bread of life. Your fathers ate manna in the desert and they are dead; but this is the bread which comes down from heaven, so that a person may eat it and not die. I am the living bread which has come down from heaven. Anyone who eats this bread will live for ever; and the bread that I shall give is my flesh, for the life of the world.' (John 6:41-51 NJB)

Today we see one of the basic reasons that the religious leadership could not and would not accept Jesus, or His message. They knew His family. They knew Him. Their familiarity blinded and deafened them. "A prophet is not without honor, EXCEPT in his own country", among his own family and friend, among those who know him.

We experience the same trials when we try to bear witness to those closest to us. They know us so well that they can't accept what we have to say. They know all of our quirks and foibles. And knowing all the details about us they see all the contradictions between what we say and what we do. That gives us all the more reason to make certain that we practice what we preach and are not being hypocritical.

Gospel for 21 March, 2007

Do not work for food that goes bad, but work for food that endures for eternal life, which the Son of man will give you, for on him the Father, God himself, has set his seal. Then they said to him, ‘What must we do if we are to carry out God's work?' Jesus gave them this answer, ‘This is carrying out God's work: you must believe in the one he has sent.' So they said, ‘What sign will you yourself do, the sight of which will make us believe in you? What work will you do? Our fathers ate manna in the desert; as scripture says: He gave them bread from heaven to eat.' Jesus answered them: In all truth I tell you, it was not Moses who gave you the bread from heaven, it is my Father who gives you the bread from heaven, the true bread; for the bread of God is the bread which comes down from heaven and gives life to the world. ‘Sir,' they said, ‘give us that bread always.' Jesus answered them: I am the bread of life. No one who comes to me will ever hunger; no one who believes in me will ever thirst. But, as I have told you, you can see me and still you do not believe. Everyone whom the Father gives me will come to me; I will certainly not reject anyone who comes to me, because I have come from heaven, not to do my own will, but to do the will of him who sent me. Now the will of him who sent me is that I should lose nothing of all that he has given to me, but that I should raise it up on the last day. It is my Father's will that whoever sees the Son and believes in him should have eternal life, and that I should raise that person up on the last day. (John 6:27-40 NJB)

Again Jesus' opponents want to see a sign. The truth, as Jesus points out, is that every time a sign is given they turn away. They refuse to see it or willfully fail to comprehend what is happening in their midst. These will never come to faith because they choose their unbelief. To thise who do believe however, Jesus gives food and drink that leads to eternal life. What am I having breakfast today?

Another Visit with Brother Lawrence

SEVENTH LETTER

At the age of nearly fourscore exhorts his correspondent, who is sixty-four, to live and die with God and promises and asks for prayer.

I PITY you much. It will be of great importance if you can leave the care of your affairs to, and spend the remainder of your life only in worshipping GOD. He requires no great matters of us; a little remembrance of Him from time to time, a little adoration: sometimes to pray for His grace, sometimes to offer Him your sufferings, and sometimes to return Him thanks for the favours He has given you, and still gives you, in the midst of your troubles, and to console yourself with Him the oftenest you can. Lift up your heart to Him, sometimes even at your meals, and when you are in company: the least little remembrance will always be acceptable to Him. You need not cry very loud; He is nearer to us than we are aware of.

It is not necessary for being with GOD to be always at church; we may make an oratory of our heart, wherein to retire from time to time, to converse with Him in meekness, humility, and love. Every one is capable of such familiar conversation with GOD, some more, some less: He knows what we can do. Let us begin then; perhaps He expects but one generous resolution on our part. Have courage. We have but little time to live; you are near sixty-four, and I am almost eighty. Let us live and die with GOD: sufferings will be sweet and pleasant to us, while we are with Him: and the greatest pleasures will be, without Him, a cruel punishment to us. May He be blessed for all. Amen.

Use yourself then by degrees thus to worship Him, to beg His grace, to offer Him your heart from time to time, in the midst of your business, even every moment if you can. Do not always scrupulously confine yourself to certain rules or particular forms of devotion; but act with a general confidence in GOD, with love and humility. You may assure - of my poor prayers, and that I am their servant and yours particularly.

Gospel for 20 March, 2007

That evening the disciples went down to the shore of the sea and got into a boat to make for Capernaum on the other side of the sea. It was getting dark by now and Jesus had still not rejoined them. The wind was strong, and the sea was getting rough. They had rowed three or four miles when they saw Jesus walking on the sea and coming towards the boat. They were afraid, but he said, ‘It's me. Don't be afraid.' They were ready to take him into the boat, and immediately it reached the shore at the place they were making for.

Next day, the crowd that had stayed on the other side saw that only one boat had been there, and that Jesus had not got into the boat with his disciples, but that the disciples had set off by themselves. Other boats, however, had put in from Tiberias, near the place where the bread had been eaten. When the people saw that neither Jesus nor his disciples were there, they got into those boats and crossed to Capernaum to look for Jesus. When they found him on the other side, they said to him, ‘Rabbi, when did you come here?' Jesus answered: In all truth I tell you, you are looking for me not because you have seen the signs but because you had all the bread you wanted to eat. Do not work for food that goes bad, but work for food that endures for eternal life, which the Son of man will give you, for on him the Father, God himself, has set his seal. (John 6:16-27 NJB)

Several days ago the Pharisees came to Jesus demanding a sign and He said no sign would be given. Yet the 5000 were fed. And, Jesus walked upon the water. How shall we reconcile that? Really it is fairly easy. Those who seek after signs and demand proof will never be satisfied. Those however who simply keep their eyes open and pay attention to what is going on will be given plenty of evidence for the truth that is found only in Christ.

Feast of St Joseph

What emanates from the figure of Saint Joseph is faith. Joseph of Nazareth is a "just man" because he totally "lives by faith." He is holy because his faith is truly heroic.

Sacred Scripture says little of him. It does not record even one word spoken by Joseph, the carpenter of Nazareth. And yet, even without words, he shows the depth of his faith, his greatness.

Saint Joseph is a man of great spirit. He is great in faith, not because he speaks his own words, but above all because he listens to the words of the Living God. He listens in silence. And his heart ceaselessly perseveres in the readiness to accept the Truth contained in the word of the Living God.

We see how the word of the Living God penetrates deeply into the soul of that man, that just man. And we, do we know how to listen to the word of God? Do we know how to absorb it into the depths of our human personalities? Do we open our conscience in the presence of this word?

Pope John Paul II from Daily Meditations

By the Numbers

Today is the Feast of St. Joseph, the spouse opf the Blessed Virgin Mary, and foster father of our Lord Jesus Christ. sadly, this feast also marks the 4th anniversary of the start of the immoral, illegal, and unjust "preventative" war against Iraq.***

Since the invasion four years ago, here are some of the costs of this war of aggression:

3, 190 American servicemen and women have lost their lives.
23,924 US troops have been wounded.
3000 (approx.) Iraqi civilians are dying every month
700,000 (approx) Through November, 2006, number of civilians that have become refugees within Iraq
2 million (approx) Through November, 2006, number of civilians that have become refugees outside of Iraq
1347 number of days the US was at war in WWII
1461 (and counting) - number of days at war in Iraq
$288 Billion - US cost of WWII
$409.6 Billion (and counting) - US cost of Iraq War (based on Congressional Appropriations)

What could those dollars have accomplished if used for good? Here's a calculator that keeps a running tab on the war and demonstrates what we could have done with the money. http://nationalpriorities.org/index.php?option=com_wrapper&Itemid=182

*** In case you think I'm merely demonstrating personal political prejudice by claiming that the war is immoral, illegal, and unjust, I quote Fr. Paul Surlis, writing in the Houston (TX) Catholic Worker Newspaper, Vol XXV No. 1 Jan-Feb, 2005,

"The Pope (JPII) made more than fifty public addresses in which he condemned the war in Iraq prior to its inception and he sent a special emissary, Pio Laghi, to the White House to convey his disapproval, but the Bush Administration was adamant in pushing for war and even forbade Laghi to address the American people from the White House on the occasion of his visit. Most heads of major religions in the United States, including the head of Bush's Methodist Church condemned the war as unjust."

The entire article may be found at: http://www.cjd.org/paper/surlis.html

I would also point out that prior to the invasion of Iraq, on March 5, 2003, the Houston (TX) Chronicle reported that, 'a Vatican envoy (Pio Laghi) "carried the pope's message to the White House that a U.S.-led war against Iraq without United Nations' approval would be 'unjust and illegal'".

St. Joseph, you were chosen of God to be guardian of, and a role model for, our Lord Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace. Humbly we seek your intercession for our country and our world, that we may have hearts that understand war brings not glory, only the destruction of body, mind, and spirit. Amen.

Gospel for 19 March, 2007

After this, Jesus crossed the Sea of Galilee—or of Tiberias— and a large crowd followed him, impressed by the signs he had done in curing the sick. Jesus climbed the hillside and sat down there with his disciples. The time of the Jewish Passover was near. Looking up, Jesus saw the crowds approaching and said to Philip, ‘Where can we buy some bread for these people to eat?' He said this only to put Philip to the test; he himself knew exactly what he was going to do. Philip answered, ‘Two hundred denarii would not buy enough to give them a little piece each.' One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, said, ‘Here is a small boy with five barley loaves and two fish; but what is that among so many?' Jesus said to them, ‘Make the people sit down.' There was plenty of grass there, and as many as five thousand men sat down. Then Jesus took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed them to those who were sitting there; he then did the same with the fish, distributing as much as they wanted. When they had eaten enough he said to the disciples, ‘Pick up the pieces left over, so that nothing is wasted.' So they picked them up and filled twelve large baskets with scraps left over from the meal of five barley loaves. Seeing the sign that he had done, the people said, ‘This is indeed the prophet who is to come into the world.' Jesus, as he realised they were about to come and take him by force and make him king, fled back to the hills alone. (John 6:1-15 NJB)

So very often the resources that appear to be available to us seem completely inadequate to accomplish a task, so we despair and do nothing. Yet if there is anything that we can learn from the story of Jesus feeding the 5000, it should be that no matter how meager the circumstance that we find ourselves in, with Jesus, we have more than enough to accomplish anything He sets before us. All we need do is follow the example of St Andrew, who brought what was available to Jesus, and then allow Him to accomplish the miracle.

Oh, and then gather up the leftovers, so that we have seed for the next time.

Another Visit with Brother Lawrence

SIXTH LETTER

To a member of the order who had received from him a book, and to whom he again enlarges on his favorite topic. * Encouragement to persevere.

I HAVE received from Mrs. - the things which you gave her for me. I wonder that you have not given me your thoughts of the little book I sent to you, and which you must have received. Pray set heartily about the practice of it in your old age; it is better late than never.

I cannot imagine how religious persons can live satisfied without the practice of the presence of GOD. For my part I keep myself retired with Him in the depth of centre of my soul as much as I can; and while I am so with Him I fear nothing; but the least turning from Him is insupportable.

This exercise does not much fatigue the body: it is, however, proper to deprive it sometimes, nay often, of many little pleasures which are innocent and lawful: for GOD will not permit that a soul which desires to be devoted entirely to Him should take other pleasures than with Him; that is more than reasonable.

I do not say that therefore we must put any violent constraint upon ourselves. No, we must serve GOD in a holy freedom, we must do our business faithfully, without trouble or disquiet; recalling our mind to GOD mildly and with tranquility, as often as we find it wandering from Him.

It is, however, necessary to put our whole trust in GOD, laying aside all other cares, and even some particular forms of devotion, though very good in themselves, yet such as one often engages in unreasonably: because those devotions are only means to attain to the end; so when by this exercise of the presence of GOD we are with Him who is our end, it is then useless to return to the means; but we may continue with Him our commerce of love, persevering in His holy presence: one while by an act of praise, of adoration, or of desire; one while by an act of resignation, or thanksgiving; and in all the manner which our spirit can invent.

Be not discouraged by the repugnance which you may find in it from nature; you must do yourself violence. At the first, one often thinks it lost time; but you must go on, and resolve to persevere in it to death, notwithstanding all the difficulties that may occur. I recommend myself to the prayers of your holy society, and yours in particular. I am yours in our LORD.

Gospel for 18 March, 2007

The Pharisees came up and started a discussion with him; they demanded of him a sign from heaven, to put him to the test. And with a profound sigh he said, ‘Why does this generation demand a sign? In truth I tell you, no sign shall be given to this generation.' And, leaving them again, he re-embarked and went away to the other side. The disciples had forgotten to take any bread and they had only one loaf with them in the boat. Then he gave them this warning, ‘Keep your eyes open; look out for the yeast of the Pharisees and the yeast of Herod.' And they said to one another, ‘It is because we have no bread.' And Jesus knew it, and he said to them, ‘Why are you talking about having no bread? Do you still not understand, still not realise? Are your minds closed? Have you eyes and do not see, ears and do not hear? Or do you not remember? When I broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how many baskets full of scraps did you collect?' They answered, ‘Twelve.' ‘And when I broke the seven loaves for the four thousand, how many baskets full of scraps did you collect?' And they answered, ‘Seven.' Then he said to them, ‘Do you still not realise?' (Mark 8:11-21 NJB)

They demanded a sign of Him, and with a "profound sigh" Jesus dismissed them. With good reason. Jesus fed the 5000 and afterwards there were twelve baskets of leftovers. He fed the 4000 and afterwards there were seven baskets of leftovers. But still they sought for a sign. In truth, no sign would have been sufficient. They weren't really looking for a sign, they were looking for a reason not to accept and believe in Jesus. His question, "Do you still not realisae?" was not limited to the Twelve. How often in our daily lives do we seek some reason not to follow or believe?

St Patrick's Prayer

The Prayer of St. Patrick

I arise today

Through the strength of heaven;

Light of the sun,

Splendor of fire,

Speed of lightning,

Swiftness of the wind,

Depth of the sea,

Stability of the earth,

Firmness of the rock.

I arise today

Through God's strength to pilot me;

God's might to uphold me,

God's wisdom to guide me,

God's eye to look before me,

God's ear to hear me,

God's word to speak for me,

God's hand to guard me,

God's way to lie before me,

God's shield to protect me,

God's hosts to save me

Afar and anear,

Alone or in a mulitude.

Christ shield me today

Against wounding

Christ with me,

Christ before me,

Christ behind me,

Christ in me,

Christ beneath me,

Christ above me,

Christ on my right,

Christ on my left,

Christ when I lie down,

Christ when I sit down,

Christ in the heart of everyone who thinks of me,

Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me,

Christ in the eye that sees me,

Christ in the ear that hears me.

I arise today

Through the mighty strength

Of the Lord of creation.

Gospel for 17 March, 2007

Whoever comes from God listens to the words of God; the reason why you do not listen is that you are not from God. The Jews replied, ‘Are we not right in saying that you are a Samaritan and possessed by a devil?' Jesus answered: I am not possessed; but I honour my Father, and you deny me honour. I do not seek my own glory; there is someone who does seek it and is the judge of it. In all truth I tell you, whoever keeps my word will never see death. The Jews said, ‘Now we know that you are possessed. Abraham is dead, and the prophets are dead, and yet you say, “Whoever keeps my word will never know the taste of death.” Are you greater than our father Abraham, who is dead? The prophets are dead too. Who are you claiming to be?' Jesus answered: If I were to seek my own glory my glory would be worth nothing; in fact, my glory is conferred by the Father, by the one of whom you say, ‘He is our God,' although you do not know him. But I know him, and if I were to say, ‘I do not know him,' I should be a liar, as you yourselves are. But I do know him, and I keep his word. Your father Abraham rejoiced to think that he would see my Day; he saw it and was glad. The Jews then said, ‘You are not fifty yet, and you have seen Abraham!' Jesus replied: In all truth I tell you, before Abraham ever was, I am. At this they picked up stones to throw at him; but Jesus hid himself and left the Temple. (John 8:47-59 NJB)

Just a minute ago, Jesus told the cheif priests and Pharisees that Satan was their Father, and they do nothing, but argue with Him. But now all of a sudden they pick up stones intending to kill Him? What gives? It's easy to understand if you think about what Jesus really said to them, in the original language.

The Name of God, the Name revealed to Moses from the burning bush, was considered by the Jews to be so sacred that it could not be spoken, could not even be written out. What was that Name? Yahweh. I AM who I AM. When Jesus responded to his accusers, and said, "...before Abraham ever was, I am", in His native tongue, Aramaic, He said the divine Name out loud. And more than that, He identified Himself with that divine Name. For that, His audience believed Jesus to be worthy of being stoned to death.

Those of us who call ourselves Christian also identify ourselves with the Divine Name. What does that mean? And how does that identification affect how we carry ourselves in and relate to the world around us? Does anyone else understand what we really mean when we call ourselves Christian?

Another Visit with Brother Lawrence

FIFTH LETTER

Prayer for a sister who is about to make a vow and profession. * A fresh insisting upon the necessity and virtue of practicing the Presence of God.

I RECEIVED this day two books and a letter from Sister, who is preparing to make her profession, and upon that account desires the prayers of your holy society, and yours in particular. I perceive that she reckons much upon them; pray do not disappoint her. Beg of GOD that she may make her sacrifice in the view of His love alone, and with a firm resolution to be wholly devoted to Him.

I will send you one of those books which treat of the presence of GOD; a subject which, in my opinion, contains the whole spiritual life; and it seems to me that whoever duly practices it will soon become spiritual.

I know that for the right practice of it, the heart must be empty of all other things; because GOD will possess the heart alone; and as He cannot possess it alone, without emptying it of all besides, so neither can He act there, and do in it what He pleases, unless it be left vacant to Him.

There is not in the world a kind of life more sweet and delightful, than that of a continual conversation with GOD: those only can comprehend it who practice and experience it; yet I do not advise you to do it from that motive; it is not pleasure which we ought to seek in this exercise; but let us do it from a principle of love, and because GOD would have us.

Were I a preacher, I should above all other things preach the practice of the presence of GOD; and were I a director, I should advise all the world to do it: so necessary do I think it, and so easy too.

Ah! knew we but the want we have of the grace and assistance of GOD, we should never lose sight of Him, no, not for a moment. Believe me; make immediately a holy and firm resolution never more wilfully to forget Him, and to spend the rest of your days in His sacred presence, deprived for the love of Him, if He thinks fit, of all consolations.

Set heartily about this work, and if you do it as you ought, be assured that you will soon find the effects of it. I will assist you with my prayers, poor as they are: I recommend myself earnestly to yours, and those of your holy society.

Gospel for 16 March, 2007

They answered, ‘We are descended from Abraham and we have never been the slaves of anyone; what do you mean, “You will be set free?” ' Jesus replied: In all truth I tell you, everyone who commits sin is a slave. Now a slave has no permanent standing in the household, but a son belongs to it for ever. So if the Son sets you free, you will indeed be free. I know that you are descended from Abraham; but you want to kill me because my word finds no place in you. What I speak of is what I have seen at my Father's side, and you too put into action the lessons you have learnt from your father. They repeated, ‘Our father is Abraham.' Jesus said to them: If you are Abraham's children, do as Abraham did. As it is, you want to kill me, a man who has told you the truth as I have learnt it from God; that is not what Abraham did. You are doing your father's work. They replied, ‘We were not born illegitimate, the only father we have is God.' Jesus answered: If God were your father, you would love me, since I have my origin in God and have come from him; I did not come of my own accord, but he sent me. Why do you not understand what I say? Because you cannot bear to listen to my words. You are from your father, the devil, and you prefer to do what your father wants. He was a murderer from the start; he was never grounded in the truth; there is no truth in him at all. When he lies he is speaking true to his nature, because he is a liar, and the father of lies. But it is because I speak the truth that you do not believe me. Can any of you convict me of sin? If I speak the truth, why do you not believe me? Whoever comes from God listens to the words of God; the reason why you do not listen is that you are not from God. ( John 8:33-47 NJB)

Over the last few years we've heard a lot about what has come to be known as "Swift Boating". This refers to the practice of taking a set of facts about a particular situation and spinning them in such a manner as to make the person involved look as badly as possible. If you are good at it, it's an almost elegant means of turning the tables on an opponent; making him or her appear to be exactly the opposite of what the unspun facts truly reveal. If you're clumsy at it, you come across sounding like an Ann Coulter, whose "political commentary" is simply, in the words of the old Looney Tunes character, Sylvester the Cat, "Despicable".

In the Book of Ecclesiastes, Solomon tells us that there is nothing new under the sun, and so it is with "Swift Boating". It's been around for ages. It's very possible that in today's Gospel we have an example of it. Jesus opponents don't come right out and attack Him, but they poignantly state that THEY are not illegimate. There are no questions about their parentage. Jesus doesn't fall for it though. He doesn't shrink from speaking or dig a hole to crawl into. Boldly He replies, "You're right there is no question. Your father is Satan, and here's the proof of it." The lesson here is that when opposition arises, and it will if we are following Jesus, don't waste time dealing with peripheral issues. Don't get distracted. Go straight at the heart of the matter. Proclaim the truth, as Christ did, and let the rest take care of itself.

Gospel for 15 March, 2007

Again he said to them: I am going away; you will look for me and you will die in your sin. Where I am going, you cannot come. So the Jews said to one another, ‘Is he going to kill himself, that he says, “Where I am going, you cannot come?” ' Jesus went on: You are from below; I am from above. You are of this world; I am not of this world. I have told you already: You will die in your sins. Yes, if you do not believe that I am He, you will die in your sins. So they said to him, ‘Who are you?' Jesus answered: What I have told you from the outset. About you I have much to say and much to judge; but the one who sent me is true, and what I declare to the world I have learnt from him. They did not recognise that he was talking to them about the Father. So Jesus said: When you have lifted up the Son of man, then you will know that I am He and that I do nothing of my own accord. What I say is what the Father has taught me; he who sent me is with me, and has not left me to myself, for I always do what pleases him. As he was saying this, many came to believe in him. To the Jews who believed in him Jesus said: If you make my word your home you will indeed be my disciples; you will come to know the truth, and the truth will set you free. (John 8:21-32 NJB)

Often we hear it remarked that "the truth will set you free". Much less often do we hear that the freedom promised by the truth is conditional. We need to really listen to everything that Jesus says here. "IF you make my word your home you will indeed be my disciples; you will come to know the truth, and the truth will set you free." Being set free by the truth is first contigient upon making Jesus' word our home and being truly His disciples. And even then, even after we have made His word our home, this is not some instantaneous occurance like St Paul's conversion on the road to Damascus. What Jesus tells us is that once we are really his disciples that we will come to know the truth. No light bulb going off. No "Eureka" moment. Rather it is a process of growing, developing, learning, and maturing into the truth. As we are more given over to the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, as we are more closely conformed to the image (icon) of Jesus, as we more fully and completely put on "the mind that was in Christ Jesus" the truth that gives freedom will become clearer and more a living reality in our lives. It's akin to wandering in the desert for forty years. Where on the journey are we today?

It's About Time!!!

The Associated Press today reports that the National Association of Evangelicals 'endorsed an anti-torture statement saying the United States has crossed "boundaries of what is legally and morally permissible" in its treatment of detainees and war prisoners in the fight against terror.' We are very nearly to the three year anniversary of the revelation of the atrocities committed at the Abu Ghraib prison. What took them so long?

If we are following Jesus Christ, who Himself was subject to extreme torture, how can we possibly condone torture as a reasonable or morally acceptable means of treating our fellow human beings? This is not the make-believe world of the TV show, "24". This is real life and the victims of torture don't just go off camera. They have to continue to live with the effects of what is done to them, physically, spiritually and psychically. By remaining silent on the subject of torture we endorse ever stripe of the cat, every blow of a rod, every insult, every glob of spit that our Lord endured at the hands of his captors.

The article today goes on to mention that, "Several of the drafters have been advocates for a broader policy focus for Christian conservatives beyond abortion and marriage." Again, I ask, what took them so long?

If we really take Scripture at all seriously, if we really take Jesus at all seriously, then we have to be about more than just a voice against abortion and homosexuality. We have to take the Gospel message and Gospel values and apply them to life, wholistically. We have to listen the voice of Christ and hear what He says about subjects like world hunger, pollution, global warming, human rights, workplace ethics, medical and cosmetic testing on animals, capital punishment. Perhaps we should even re-think if the concept of a" just war" has any meaning whatsoever in a world where weapons of mass destruction are everywhere, (a conventional 1000# bomb is a weapon of mass destruction) and we speak of collateral damage with no understanding that those are human lives we are talking about.

In his Easter message in 2003, the late John Paul II, said that Christians should 'pray and do penance and ask Christ for peace, a peace "founded on the solid pillars of love and justice, truth and freedom."' Perhaps I should be grateful the the NAE has finally come on board and is realizing that the Gospel has implications for our lives. but somehow, all I can honestly say right now is, "It's about time!!!"

Another Visit with Brother Lawrence

FOURTH LETTER

Writes of himself as of a third person, and encourages his correspondent to press on to fuller practicing of the Presence of God.

I HAVE taken this opportunity to communicate to you the sentiments of one of our society concerning the admirable effects and continual assistances which he receives from the presence of GOD. Let you and me both profit by them.

You must know, his continual care has been, for above forty years past that he has spent in religion, to be always with GOD; and to do nothing, say nothing, and think nothing which may displease Him; and this without any other view than purely for the love of Him, and because He deserves infinitely more.

He is now so accustomed to that Divine presence, that he receives from it continual succors upon all occasions. For about thirty years, his soul has been filled with joys so continual, and sometimes so great, that he is forced to use means to moderate them, and to hinder their appearing outwardly.

If sometimes he is a little too much absent from that Divine presence, GOD presently makes Himself to be felt in his soul to recall him; which often happens when he is most engaged in his outward business: he answers with exact fidelity to these inward drawings, either by an elevation of his heart towards GOD, or by a meek and fond regard to Him, or by such words as love forms upon these occasions; as for instance, My GOD, here I am all devoted to Thee: LORD, make me according to Thy heart. And then it seems to him (as in effect he feels it) that this GOD of love, satisfied with such few words, reposes again, and rests in the depth and centre of his soul. The experience of these things gives him such an assurance that GOD is always in the depth or bottom of his soul, and renders him incapable of doubting it, upon any account whatever.

Judge by this what content and satisfaction he enjoys, while he continually finds in himself so great a treasure: he is no longer in an anxious search after it, but has it open before him, and may take what he pleases of it.

He complains much of our blindness; and cries often that we are to be pitied who content ourselves with so little. GOD, saith he, has infinite treasure to bestow, and we take up with a little sensible devotion which passes in a moment. Blind as we are, we hinder GOD, and stop the current of His graces.

But when He finds a soul penetrated with a lively faith, He pours into it His graces and favours plentifully; there they flow like a torrent, which, after being forcibly stopped against its ordinary course, when it has found a passage, spreads itself with impetuosity and abundance.

Yes, we often stop this torrent, by the little value we set upon it. But let us stop it no more: let us enter into ourselves and break down the bank which hinders it. Let us make way for grace; let us redeem the lost time, for perhaps we have but little left; death follows us close, let us be well prepared for it; for we die but once, and a miscarriage there is irretrievable.

I say again, let us enter into ourselves. The time presses: there is no room for delay; our souls are at stake. I believe you have taken such effectual measures, that you will not be surprised. I commend you for it, it is the one thing necessary: we must, nevertheless, always work at it, because not to advance, in the spiritual life, is to go back. But those who have the gale of the HOLY SPIRIT go forward even in sleep. If the vessel of our soul is still tossed with winds and storms, let us awake the LORD, who reposes in it, and He will quickly calm the sea.

I have taken the liberty to impart to you these good sentiments, that you may compare them with your own: they will serve again to kindle and inflame them, if by misfortune (which GOD forbid, for it would be indeed a great misfortune) they should be, though never so little, cooled. Let us then both recall our first fervours. Let us profit by the example and the sentiments of this brother, who is little known of the world, but known of GOD, and extremely caressed by Him. I will pray for you; do you pray instantly for me, who am yours in our LORD.

Gospel for 14 March, 2007

Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, "I am the light of the world; he who follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." The Pharisees then said to him, "You are bearing witness to yourself; your testimony is not true." Jesus answered, "Even if I do bear witness to myself, my testimony is true, for I know whence I have come and whither I am going, but you do not know whence I come or whither I am going. You judge according to the flesh, I judge no one. Yet even if I do judge, my judgment is true, for it is not I alone that judge, but I and he who sent me. In your law it is written that the testimony of two men is true; I bear witness to myself, and the Father who sent me bears witness to me." They said to him therefore, "Where is your Father?" Jesus answered, "You know neither me nor my Father; if you knew me, you would know my Father also." These words he spoke in the treasury, as he taught in the temple; but no one arrested him, because his hour had not yet come. (John 8:12-20 RSV)

It was an established principle of Jewish law that for any matter to be legally proven you needed two or three witnesses to agree upon the facts of a case. So today when Jesus points out to His accusers that both He and the Father testify that He was sent from God, He is claiming that His ministry, His works are being established in their sight as a matter of law. I wonder what would happen today. if I was accused. Would I have two witnesses to testify that I was following Christ?

On the last day of the feast, the great day, Jesus stood up and proclaimed, "If any one thirst, let him come to me and drink. He who believes in me, as the scripture has said, `Out of his heart shall flow rivers of living water.'" Now this he said about the Spirit, which those who believed in him were to receive; for as yet the Spirit had not been given, because Jesus was not yet glorified. When they heard these words, some of the people said, "This is really the prophet." Others said, "This is the Christ." But some said, "Is the Christ to come from Galilee? Has not the scripture said that the Christ is descended from David, and comes from Bethlehem, the village where David was?" So there was a division among the people over him. Some of them wanted to arrest him, but no one laid hands on him. The officers then went back to the chief priests and Pharisees, who said to them, "Why did you not bring him?" The officers answered, "No man ever spoke like this man!" The Pharisees answered them, "Are you led astray, you also? Have any of the authorities or of the Pharisees believed in him? But this crowd, who do not know the law, are accursed." Nicode'mus, who had gone to him before, and who was one of them, said to them, "Does our law judge a man without first giving him a hearing and learning what he does?" They replied, "Are you from Galilee too? Search and you will see that no prophet is to rise from Galilee."

When the Temple guards returned to the chief priests and the Pharisees, without having arrested Jesus, they were asked, "Are you led astray, you also?" That's often going to be the perspective of the world, when we are following Christ; that we have been led astray. The world seeks and approves only of those who will dance to her tune. Those who follow Jesus don't fit that mold. They're out of sync the world. And quite often those who are following Jesus are at odds with the world. In fact, being at peace with the world's perspective should be a big clue that we need to reevaluate where we are at.