Monday December 13 Joy John 14:20-22
On
that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you.
They who have my commandments and keep them are those who love me; and those
who love me will be loved by my Father, and I will love them and reveal myself
to them.” Judas (not Iscariot) said to him, “Lord, how is it that you will
reveal yourself to us, and not to the world?”
****
Jesus
taught in parables, yes. But as far as his disciples were concerned, he also
taught in riddles. And on this dark and joyless Thursday night, the last night
of Jesus’ life, he has been trying their patience.
It
has been a confusing evening for the disciples. Before the Passover meal is
served, Jesus confounds them by washing their feet, an apparent act of
servility that strikes most of them – especially Peter – as highly
inappropriate. “You also ought to wash one another’s feet,” Jesus tells them, a
directive that has made church folks uncomfortable (and often noncompliant) for
two millennia.
The
disciples understand Jesus’ commandment to love one another because they have
heard it before. But when he says his death is imminent and will be preceded by
betrayal and abandonment, their confusion deepens. Jesus’ declaration that
those who know him also know the father only perplexes them further, and
Philip’s response must have been hurtful: “Lord, show us the father and we will
be satisfied.”
Now
Jesus talks of a time when “I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you; and
those who love me will be loved by my Father, and I will love them and reveal
myself to them.”
They
do not understand. Understanding will have to wait until Jesus’ mission is
complete and when the Holy Spirit reveals the truths that elude them.
Until
then they must be patient.
So,
too, must we be patient when we wonder what our future holds and God makes us
wait for the answers.
When
Jesus confused his disciples on that dark Thursday night, they did not
understand all he was saying. But they did their best to be patient. They had
faith that when all was revealed, they would understand how God’s love was
enveloping them all – and with that understanding comes joy.
Prayer: God our creator, we do not always
understand how your plans will unfold. But at we understand that Advent is a
time of patient anticipation as we await with eager joy the birth of the Christ
Child and the renewal of your plan to bring all humanity closer to your eternal
and unconditional love. Joy comes in the morning, in Jesus’ name, Amen.
S.
Deacon Philip Jenks
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