iCrucified

[06MAR2012] Lent 2012: Day 14—Reflection and Meditation

“He left an example for you, that you should follow in his steps“

♦ Psalm 25:8-12

♦ Readings – Galatians 2:20

♦ Gospel - John 3:1-21, John 12:24

“God, loving and just, may the holy observance of the Lenten discipline dispose the hearts of your faithful people that they might celebrate the Paschal Mystery of your Son and become the herald of your saving grace. This we ask you.“

What do we really think a disciple of Christ is? I wonder; if a survey was taken, and one hundred people were asked, how many different answers would be revealed. I think about the words of Jesus throughout his ministry and wonder if they register with us in the way they were intended. Jesus speaks mysterious words to the teacher Nicodemus in John’s Gospel (chapter three). Jesus tells him; “You must be born again.” The implication that one must die first in order to be “born again” is obvious or at least it is to me. Jesus tells his disciples; “Unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it does not bear fruit.” What do we think Jesus means in these examples? What do we think the Apostle Paul means when he tells us, “I have been crucified with Christ and it is no longer I that live, but Christ lives in me…”

I believe that we have spiritualized and reduced to metaphor entirely too much of the teaching of Christ and his disciples. Lord help me, and Lord help us.