Podcast Texts

Jesus’ discussion in today’s Gospel escalated into some challenging words and revealing  statements.  Jesus was speaking to Jews who believed in him, yet they became defensive when he said to them: “If you remain in my word, you will truly be my disciples, and you will know the truth and the truth will set you free.”  They seemed to be upset at hearing that they were not free.  The conversation rose to an even higher pitch when Jesus explained that anyone who is attached to sin is enslaved and only the Son of God can free them.  Because they did not understand that Jesus was sent from the Father and was doing the Father’s will, they remained blocked and could not abide in his word.  Only in accepting that Jesus was sent from God could they grasp the truth and be totally free.  

It is hard to face the truth of where our sins can lead us.  Yet, acknowledging our weaknesses and accepting our total dependence upon God is liberating.  Prayer, of course, is the key.  When we spend time, especially quiet time, in God’s presence, we will come to know more deeply the love that God desires to share with us.  We will find ourselves in the heart of Christ and in the center of God’s desire to share God’s divine love and life.  

Jesus’ hearers were stuck in their sense of themselves as descendants of Abraham and Sarah, not realizing that our true dignity comes from being sons and daughters of the Most High.  There is nothing threatening or accusatory about being a child of God, fully known despite our missteps and always, always fully loved.  As Pope Francis says in his latest encyclical, Dilexit Nos, “We are loved for who we are, not what we might become.”

Lenten Blessings,

Fr. Kevin MacDonald, C.Ss.R.