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Rector’s Reflection Jesus tells us: “I am the way, and the truth, and the life.” (John 14:6) I find these words incredibly comforting, now that the great cycle of feasts (that began with Christmas, and ended in May with Pentecost) is behind us. As the flowers flash with color, and the trees leaf out, we find ourselves moving into a slower, quieter rhythm in the church year now, one that we call “ordinary time.” It’s the six-month season after Pentecost, and it’s the time we are allowed to explore and deepen our relationship with Jesus, our Lord and Savior. “I am the way,” he says. This is such good news for me, as I look at all the complexities of life, and wonder what to do next, and how, and why, and with what. It cuts through the stress and the confusion and overload, because Jesus has come into the world to show us exactly the way we need to go. All we need to do is walk with him, through the gospel accounts of his life, to find that infallible compass that leads us home. “I am the truth,” he says. This is good news too, particularly in this post-modern age when all truth seems to be relative, a matter of mere convenience, and when the media constantly bombards us with advertising cleverly disguised as information or news or entertainment. It’s almost impossible to know what to believe these days. Until we go back to the gospels, and listen to Jesus’ words – so simple, so direct, so soul-deep – that lead us into the mystery that will set us free of anxiety and doubt. “I am the life,” he says. And isn’t this the greatest gift of all – the one we celebrated on Pentecost as we named the many gifts we have received from the Holy Spirit. Life itself, steeped in the love God has for us, given to us for all eternity through Christ’s life, death, and resurrection. And when we give thanks for this life, which is Christ in us, it takes on a divine comfort and power which helps us over the most terrible obstacles, and brings us through the toughest times. We understand, as we pray our way through the gospels, that we are never alone, and that our weakness becomes our strength. I hope you will join me in adding one of the gospels to your summer reading list this year. You might choose Mark, the shortest, which looks profoundly at what it means to be a disciple. Or scholarly Matthew, who focused on Jesus’ teachings. Or Luke, who was interested in Jesus’ healing ministry, and his relationship with the poor and outcast. Or join me in reading John, the latest of the gospels, whose mystical interpretation of Jesus’ life and teachings redefined his mission in the world. Whichever gospel you choose, I expect you will discover that your ordinary life will change a bit, as your companion guides you along the way, opens up the truth for you, and touches your life with insight and love. It could be a most delightful summer ahead!
Faithfully, |