Friday of the Fourth Week of Lent
There is a quote from the author and educator Parker Palmer that has stuck with me since the first time I came across it in graduate school, “The more we know about another’s story, the harder it is to hate or harm that person.” The original quote from Palmer is used in the context of personal experience and building community. In reading the gospel for today, I kept returning to this aspect of ‘knowing’ another, of knowing Christ. The burning question that seems to surround Jesus is, where is this guy from? Well, they know where he is from in the literal sense, Nazareth. However, does the knowledge of his hometown truly help us to know Jesus, his roots, his origin? In short, kind of, but not really. “You know me and also know where I am from. Yet I did not come on my own, but the one who sent me, whom you do not know, is true. I know him, because I am from him, and he sent me.” (Jn 7:28-29)
This also points to another important distinction about Jesus. We read that he was in the temple area teaching. Knowing Jesus is recognizing that he is far more than a teacher. He is the Christ, the son of God, not just a prophet among many. If that were the case, then what’s the point? Jesus is fully human, fully divine. “Could the authorities have realized that he is the Christ?” (Jn 7:26) Do we acknowledge this? Do we know Jesus? There is more at stake than a set of stories that will teach us to be nice people. We are called into relationship. Am I going through the motions of my faith and, as such, neglecting the opportunity to draw closer to God? The same question can be applied to all areas of our lives. Am I going through motions with my marriage, my kids, my friends, my job. Neighbors, coworkers, and even family members can live side by side for years without learning much about each other’s lives. As a result, we lose something of great value. Passing along our traditions, enjoying successes, working through set-backs, endeavoring together toward common goals, and unveiling our hopes and dreams all strengthen our relationships with each other.
The same is true of our relationship with God. Spend ten minutes today in conversation with God. What are you struggling with right now? What brings you hope? What was the best part of your week? The hardest part? What do you need help with? Then, be still and listen; soak in the silence. “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted. He watches over all his bones, not one of them shall be broken. The Lord redeems the lives of his servants; no one incurs guilt who takes refuge in him.” (Ps 34:21, 23) Jesus Christ, son of the living God, have mercy on me, a sinner. May the good God draw us closer and may we live on the fruits of our relationship with Him.
Peace,
Brandon Meyer