The Fifth Sunday of Lent

Today is Sunday the 21 March, beginning the fifth week of Lent.    

The Community of Taizé sing Kristus, din Ande: “Jesus, your Spirit in us is a wellspring of everlasting life.”  

John 7:40-44

When they heard these words, some in the crowd said, ‘This is really the prophet.’ Others said, ‘This is the Messiah.’ But some asked, ‘Surely the Messiah does not come from Galilee, does he? Has not the scripture said that the Messiah is descended from David and comes from Bethlehem, the village where David lived?’ So there was a division in the crowd because of him. Some of them wanted to arrest him, but no one laid hands on him.  

In the season of Lent, we often take the opportunity to revisit our understanding of who Jesus is for us. Has this been part of your practice this year?    

Here, it has become more than a difference of opinion. Voices are getting louder.  Accusations and threats are being made.  Pointing of the finger has progressed to nudging or pushing one another.  The crowd has divided into factions. All because someone wants to have the upper hand, the final word. Have I ever witnessed this kind of behaviour, personally or in the media? Have I ever found myself in a similar situation, where the power of words is misused?    

As I listen to the scripture again, see how Jesus stands apart from the debate.   

In my prayer I ask to encounter Jesus as he is, in love, rather than who I judge him to be.    

You have given all to me. To you, Lord, I return it.  Everything is yours; do with it what you will.  Give me only your love and your grace,
that is enough for me.