Wednesday of the Fifth Week of Lent
The leadership of our parish have very intentionally defined what discipleship means for us as a community. Our mission statement tells us, “Immaculate Conception Parish is a community of disciples that embraces Christ's call to holiness, community and servant hood. We live our call to be Christ's disciples through our spirit-filled worship, empowering reflection on God's word, and genuine service to our neighbors. We also strive to Think like Jesus, Talk like Jesus and Act like Jesus®️, and in this way make God's unconditional love evident for all.” How do we become better able to Think, Talk, and Act like Jesus? We become more Christlike as we remain in his word and are set free by his truth. Today’s Gospel invites us into this liberating possibility.
In our Gospel today, Jesus tells us, “If you remain in my word, you will truly be my disciples . . .” What does it mean to remain in God’s word? That verb carries the connotation of permanence or abiding. Certainly, the Church has remained and will remain rooted in God’s Word. What does that look like for you, as a member of Christ’s Body? How do you remain in the Word, both as part of the community and as an individual disciple? What significance does remaining in the Word have for you? What difference does it make in your life? Is this an area of growth for you? What steps might you take to become a truer disciple who remains in God’s word?
Jesus also promises us that as we remain in his word, “[we] will know the truth . . .” What does it mean to know the truth? Is this an intellectual knowing or a different kind of knowing? Where does your “knower” reside within you? What is the content of this truth? How do you know if you know it?!
To the disciple who remains in the word and knows the truth, Jesus gives this assurance, “and the truth will set you free.” What are we freed from? What are we freed for? How does truth function as a liberator?
I’ve loosely structured this reflection around some pondering questions. Today’s Gospel is rich fodder for deep reflection. Let my questions be a jumping off point for your own prayerful pondering, or perhaps spend some time in Lectio Divina.
May your prayer today bring you into ever increasing intimacy with Truth Himself, our Lord Jesus Christ. As you know him more personally and intimately, may you be set free from anything that prevents you from walking as your beautiful True Self, a child of the light – a beloved daughter or son of the Living God. May God give you the grace of knowledge of the truth this day. Amen!
Elizabeth Wourms