This theme of carrying on still seems to be with me - partly because I had the same reaction to the reading from John today that I did yesterday - it almost continues as if nothing has happened. Jesus continues with the Last Supper discourse pretty much as if we had never left his side over the weekend.
The words are wonderful - it is one of the most intimate pieces of writing in the Gospels in terms of really hammering home to us exactly who we are in relation to God - loved like children, wanted like children, wanted in close relationship - the sort of relationship that Jesus himself has with God.
But the fact is that something has happened and it is something which makes these words more than words. The stark contrast of Jesus' meal with his disciples - to which we are invited through the Gospel narrative - and the events of Good Friday - could not be greater. But the reality of resurrection in which we all now rejoice means that the barriers which existed when Jesus spoke these words have been broken down, death has been conquered, humanity is restored to a place where relationship with God is a real possibility without the mediation of a lot of complicated rules and regulations.
Jesus calls Mary by name, He takes time to deal with fear and doubt in His disciples. These are not distant slaves of his - they are his friends - that is the level of relationship which John is talking about. And it is ongoing - it begins at our baptism and is fulfilled at our death - the contrast of time a place only serves to emphasize how important it is to hold together all these strands of our salvation - and thank God for them.
No comments:
Post a Comment