Look up

Whoever keeps my word will never see death. (John 8:51) 

If you were to take an immersion language course in French, from the moment you enter the classroom until the moment you leave, every word you hear and every word you speak would be in French. No English. Not a single word. Similarly, we could say that in today’s Gospel, Jesus is conducting an immersion class in the language of heaven.

A long debate between Jesus and his opponents has brought them to the question of his claim to be the Son of God. “It is my Father who glorifies me,” he tells them (John 8:54). “I know him. . . and I keep his word” (8:55). His opponents can’t seem to settle on who they think he is: “Where is your Father?” “Who are you?” “You are a Samaritan” “You are possessed.” “Who do you make yourself out to be?” (John 8:19, 25, 48, 52, 53).

Nearly two millennia of Old Testament history had brought Jesus and the Jewish authorities to this point of impasse. These were faithful Jews intent on honoring God’s covenant with Abraham. But Jesus insists that he himself is the fulfillment of God’s covenant promises. Their focus on their long-held expectations blocks their understanding. But Jesus doesn’t give up. He continues to show them an unimaginable future in which Abraham is waiting for them.

Jesus is still leading us today. Every day he is at the top of a hill looking over into a beautiful land and inviting us to join him: “Whoever keeps my word will never see death” (John 8:51). He is asking us to trust him and to follow him into that new promised land. 

Let’s believe Jesus today. Let’s keep his word today and every day until we have made it over the hill and into our new home. We do that by fixing our eyes on Jesus. His cross is like a trail marker; it points us to the path of self-giving love. His resurrection tells us that our biggest obstacles, sin and death, have been defeated. And his ascension tells us that the gates of heaven have been opened—for all of us! 

“Jesus, I believe that you are the way to heaven. Help me to turn from any paths that do not lead to you.”

from wau.org

What do you see

When you lift up the Son of Man, then you will realize that I am. (John 8:28) 

When Moses lifted up the bronze serpent, the people who gazed on it saw two things. First, they got a graphic look at their own sins. Grumbling, blaming, and complaining are as deadly as serpents. They slither their way between people and interfere with God’s ability to take care of them. Second, they got a look at God’s mercy. Whoever looked at the bronze serpent was instantly healed.

In the same way, when we gaze at Jesus lifted up on the cross, we see ourselves and Jesus more clearly.

Looking at the cross, we can see ourselves as capable of wounding people by our indifference, our selfishness, and our pride. We see that we can be like Pilate as we wash our hands of responsibility for the needy. We are the soldiers mistreating the people we don’t respect. We are the mob, easily swayed by the fad or feeling of the moment, rejecting anyone who seems out of step. We are the would-be followers running away at the first sign of trouble. We are the faithful friends, helpless and disconsolate, immobilized by fear. We see how our own actions have caused the pain that Jesus is experiencing as he hangs on the cross, suffering for our sins.

But that’s not all. Gazing at the cross, we also see a God who became man because he loves us. We see Jesus looking at each of us with great tenderness and compassion. We hear him promising forgiveness and eternal life to anyone who turns to him in repentance. We see a Messiah who loves us unconditionally, who loves us enough to endure and conquer not only our sins but death itself.

Spend some time in front of a crucifix today, either at home or in church. Don’t worry about whether you have anything to say to Jesus. Just kneel there, and gaze at him in wonder and gratitude. Have the courage to look at whatever he reveals about yourself, but don’t stop there. Keep on gazing until you feel his love driving out your sin and bringing you into the presence of Jesus, your brother and Redeemer.

“Thank you, Lord, for loving me enough to be lifted up on the cross.”

from wau.org

Looking forward

They . . . turned their backs, not their faces, to me. (Jeremiah 7:24) 

We often hear the Christian life compared to a journey, and for good reason. When someone takes a journey, it’s because they want to get somewhere—just as we are journeying toward our ultimate destination of heaven. And as anyone on a journey knows, the best way to get to the destination is to keep moving forward. That’s what makes today’s first reading so poignant. Through the prophet Jeremiah, God laments that his people have been going backward and not forward. They have turned their backs to the Lord and started walking away from him and back into the darkness of sin.

Think about this image for a bit. What is sin if it’s not going backward, returning to the urges and desires that cut us off from God and one another? And what is the result of walking backward? We move away from our destination and lose sight of the heavenly life that is our inheritance in Christ.

At the same time, what is a life of faith if it’s not one of constantly moving forward with our eyes fixed on the goal? What is it if it’s not taking the bold step of trusting that God will support us, strengthen us, and fulfill us far more than sin could ever derail us?

When you are faced with temptation today, keep this image in your mind. Remember that the choice is always yours: whether to take a step backward, away from your goal, or to walk forward, out of the swirling drives and urges and into the arms of your heavenly Father. Commit yourself today to continuing on with your journey of trust and love, keeping your eyes fixed on Jesus and his heavenly throne.

Remember too that the journey forward is not one you take alone. You are surrounded by the saints and angels. You have the witness, prayer, and support of brothers and sisters in Christ all over the world. Best of all, Jesus himself is always with you “until the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20).

As this week winds down, take a few moments to examine your journey. Ask if there are any obstacles that you can remove. Is there anything you can do to make your way forward smoother and quicker?

“Jesus, I want to walk toward you today. Help me to reach my goal of union with you.”

from wau.org

Rest

The Lord will guide you always and give you plenty even on the parched land. (Isaiah 58:11) 

Those who invest in stocks or corporations do so in order to make a certain percentage of money on top of what they first invested. In the financial world, this is known as an “ROI”—a Return on Investment. 

This concept from the world of business and high finance can help us understand a key spiritual principle: God rewards us when we invest our time and effort in him. In today’s first reading, the prophet Isaiah explains that those who spend time caring for the needy and honoring the Sabbath will be rewarded with a “spring whose water never fails” (58:11). That’s like having an infinite return on investment!

But Isaiah isn’t talking only about the time we invest in doing; he is also asking us to spend time resting, or keeping the Sabbath holy.

It’s easy to think that Sunday is a good time to catch up on work and other projects. But God promises that if you take time to step back from your own endeavors on the Sabbath, he will renew you. If you can find a way to put aside your to-do list—even if it’s just for a couple of hours—he will make up the difference in ways you might not expect. You’ll discover the divine irony that doing less actually results in greater gains!

So what can you expect to happen if you set aside a portion of each Sunday this Lent to rest in the Lord? Perhaps by slowing down and relaxing, you’ll find it easier to sense the Lord’s presence. Maybe you’ll discover that you have more time to sit down with your spouse or a child or friend, and learn more about what’s on their heart. Then when you come to the end of the day, you might feel more grateful because you have been able to see more clearly the many ways God has blessed you.

Sharp investors are always on the lookout for a solid return, but they know there is always a risk involved in any transaction. And that’s precisely where this analogy breaks down. There is no risk with the Lord. Anyone who invests in him—especially on his day of rest—is guaranteed to reap a wonderful return. That’s how faithful God is! 

“Lord, help me to honor the Sabbath this Lent by resting with you.” 

from wau.org

Humble pie

A heart contrite and humbled, O God, you will not spurn. (Psalm 51:19) 

When was the last time you had to eat humble pie? You know, admitting your own mistakes and shortcomings to someone else. This is one way to understand the setting for today’s psalm. It portrays King David’s repentance after the prophet Nathaniel confronted him about his sins of adultery and murder. He is caught in his lies and violence, and he has to own up to them.

So how does David respond? With a combination of heartfelt repentance and deep confidence in God’s mercy. He trusted that God would not ignore “a heart contrite and humbled” (Psalm 51:19).

How do you react when you are brought face-to-face with your sins or shortcomings? It’s tempting to get defensive and to throw that humble pie back in someone’s face: It’s your fault, not mine! Or maybe you overplay your guilt: How could I have done that—again? Will I ever get past this sin?

 

God doesn’t want us to swing in either direction. Rather, he wants us to turn toward him, as David did. He promises not to turn us away. He won’t accuse us or condemn us; instead, he’ll welcome us, forgive us, and embrace us. It’s like the scene in the parable of the prodigal son: the father is waiting with joyful and eager expectation, filled with longing for his younger son to return home. When he does return, the boy begins, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you,” but before he can finish even one sentence, his father throws his arms around him (Luke 15:21).

The next time you find yourself holding a piece of humble pie, put the pie down and run to your Father. Don’t let yourself feel overwhelmed by a guilty conscience. But don’t try to shift the blame and justify yourself. Simply say, “Father, I know I have sinned. I’m sorry. Please forgive me.” Remember, God delights in your repentance, not because he wants to condemn you or drown you in guilt, but because he is eager to forgive you and welcome you back. He will never turn you away.

“Thank you, Father, for your merciful embrace. Help me to run toward you every time I stumble and fall.”

from wau.org

minutes of stillness

In your house I shall celebrate the Passover. (Matthew 26:18)

Many people refer to today as Spy Wednesday, an allusion to the day of Judas’ betrayal. But did you know that it’s also called Silent Wednesday? 

This name comes from the fact that the Gospels don’t tell us what Jesus was doing on Wednesday of Holy Week. He was “silent” on that day. Some speculate that after journeying to Jerusalem and spending two exhausting days in disputes with the authorities, Jesus rested on Wednesday with his close friends in Bethany.

If you want to observe this special day, imagine that Jesus is inviting himself over to rest in your house for a bit. Imagine him inviting you to join him in a day of quiet reflection and respite.

It can be so easy for our minds to become overbusied, our bodies overworked, and our calendars overscheduled. But rest is essential because it’s restorative. Rest is also holy because it creates an opening for us to welcome Jesus into our hearts. Imagine yourself sitting with him at your kitchen table, catching up as you would with a friend. Or picture yourself coming home from a busy workday to find him waiting at your front door, eager for you to invite him in for dinner. Even if it means just slipping away for a few minutes of stillness with him, make the most of the opportunity; nothing is as refreshing as spending quiet time with the Lord!

Throughout this season of Lent, you have been journeying with Jesus as he walks toward Calvary. You’re almost there! Tomorrow evening, you will watch as he is arrested and beaten. On Friday, you’ll witness his crucifixion. And on Sunday, you’ll see him gloriously resurrected. But today, Silent Wednesday, is the calm before the storm.

As you read the Gospel for today, listen to Jesus’ voice echoing through the centuries, telling you, “In your house I shall celebrate the Passover” (Matthew 26:18). Jesus has chosen to spend today with you. Your schedule may not be silent today, but you can still find a special way to rest with him and prepare yourself—body, soul, and spirit—for the great celebrations that will start tomorrow evening.

“Jesus, help me to find some quiet time today. Come, Lord, and prepare me for what you have in store this week.”

from wau.org

The Perfect "Probe"

I, the Lord, alone probe the mind and test the heart. (Jeremiah 17:10)

Jumping off the high dive or watching your child drive off by himself for the first time—events like these can be exhilarating and unnerving at the same time. The same can be said of the thought behind the above verse. It is exciting to learn that God knows what you mean, how you think, and what you truly intend, even when everyone else misunderstands you. He knows your difficulties and supports your efforts to love and serve him. But there’s also something unsettling in the way that God sees everything in your heart—even those things you want to hide forever. There’s no point in trying to fool the One who is all-knowing!

It’s good to know that when God probes us, he is more like a surgeon working with a scalpel than a lumberjack wielding a blunt ax. The light he shines on your life is as warm as the glow of the sun, not the cold glare of searchlights. Carefully, gently, he uncovers the thoughts and intentions of your heart. Skillfully he separates doubts and defenses, hopes and desires, purposes and attitudes. Even when he reveals something that needs to change, he is quick to assure you of his love and to remind you of all that is good in you. He doesn’t probe just to point out flaws; he does it so that he can bring you into a deeper relationship with him.

Lent is a good time to let the Lord probe your mind and test your heart. If the thought of doing that gives you pause or fills you with fear, take a minute and remind yourself who is doing the probing: the One who died to bring you eternal life. You are precious and honored in his eyes! 

God is endlessly patient with us. He extends his forgiveness and grace in outrageous abundance. He is rich in truth, but also in love. So open your heart to him today. Sit quietly with him in prayer, and ponder a short Scripture passage, perhaps something from Mass that touches your heart. He will do the rest.

“Father, look into my heart today, examine my thoughts, and strengthen me in your love.”

from wau.org

Lights on!!

Then your light shall break forth like the dawn. (Isaiah 58:8)

A frail, elderly widow living alone was visited by her son, who had been traveling for a long time. Opening the front door, he was shocked by the disrepair her home had fallen into. Over the years she had accumulated a lot: furniture, clothing, books, toys her children had played with. Since she was no longer able to keep it all tidy, it was piled in every room in boxes and bundles. But worse than the clutter was the darkness. The windows, where he could see them, were covered in layers of dust.

So the man set to work. He organized the clutter, storing much of it in the attic. Then he cleaned the windows and aired out the house until it was once more filled with light.

Like the widow’s home, we also house two potential blockages to the light of Christ: clutter and dust. Clutter is what happens when your human treasures—material possessions, habits, hopes and dreams, old memories—take priority over the Lord. They aren’t necessarily bad things, but they need to be reorganized and put in their proper place. The dust is the sin that can build up on the windows of our hearts, keeping us in shadows and darkness.

We can consider fasting as a way of dealing with the clutter and repentance as a way to clean off the dust. By fasting, we reorder our lives so that Jesus gets top priority, and in repentance we let his light shine in us—and through us—more brightly. Fasting is like spring cleaning, as we spruce up our spiritual lives and put away some unnecessary baggage. Often, as we take up the call to fast, we get a better view of the sins that have been blocking the light in the first place.

So try to put aside a few things—time on the computer, a favorite food, a fun activity that is swallowing up too much time—so that you can focus better on window washing. Make it your goal to let in as much sunlight as possible. As you do, you’ll discover how much joy there is in choosing a simple, clutter-free life. 

“Lord you are my light! Come and break forth like the dawn in my heart.”

from wau.org