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Ora et laboraThursday, March 21, 2013
John 8:54-55 It could be that only Jesus knows the Father, but I think he wants to show us how to know him too. What does he do that I don't do? So many lectionary texts during Lent this year bring me back to that question. I don't want to jealously resent Jesus. It must have been very tempting to call him out on this claim; indeed, try to kill him for making it. The fact is, Jesus is the one who is healing people in chapter after chapter of this story. The Pharisees are just complaining. But if my life is on the line, can I see that clearly? I feel myself take steps toward knowing God. But inevitably, I take this "knowing" into my own hands. God guides all my steps when I listen to him, but I second-guess his guidance. Or rather, I reject it and return to my own ... well ... you know ... (Prov 26:11) I am afraid to "sell everything I have and give it to the poor," or whatever version of that God calls me to. Taking physical risks means moving out of contemplation into action. Jesus made this move every day. Over and over, he listened and worked, listened and worked. Ora et labora. Over the centuries many have followed this path set out by Jesus, right up into the present day. Sometimes they lost their lives, sometimes their pride, sometimes their luxuries, sometimes their friends. Always, they gained their souls and blessed countless others besides. They listened and worked, listened and worked. Whatever standard I set for myself is both too high and too low. Too high for me to achieve, too low for God to settle for. Jesus didn't spend any time on these measurements, which result in either pride or shame. He spent all his time listening ... and working. I want to look to you, Lord, in your strength, and seek constantly to serve you. You have done wondrous things, and you are the Lord, our God. Ignoring the pitfalls of both pride and shame, I want to be all you made me to be. |
The words of Jesus about the Pharisees are true of me, "You do not know him." I listen to Jesus divide the sheep from the goats, and I feel the wavering cry of a goat catch in my throat.