The Dynamics of God
Fateful metaphors
In his Gospel, Saint John uses impressive imagery to describe the dynamics of God’s relationship with humanity. He uses significant metaphors of Light and dark, condemnation and salvation, living a lie or living the truth; living a faith-based life or living with disbelief and death. He writes more in terms of either/or rather than both/and.
Despite how it looks, the love of God is shining in the background. "For God so loved the world, ...!" God does not wish for mankind to perish but to live! He gives humanity the possibility to respond to this offer of love. People can make room for this love and light.
Face your fears
It takes courage to make room for some one else in our life. It requires sharing our life. Why? Because it restricts our individual freedom. Because hidden aspects of one's own life may become visible. Courage and curiosity are conveyed attitudes which go hand in hand. Those who are brave ask questions. Real questions, open-ended questions, which do not deliver an implicit answer. Real questions about the meaning of what is, or could not be. Questions about the fundamental truths or principles of life, which offer us support on our life’s journey.
Truth in truthfulness
Truth is a reoccurring theme throughout the bible. In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word, “emet” means truth or faithfulness is equivalent to the New Testament Greek word "aletheia", which means truth or reality. Truth means that what endures and is valid, it is what we can trust and depend on. Paul simply calls his entire apostolic activity "the open declaration of the truth" (2 Corinthians 4:2). Christian faith and mutual love is described in the First Letter of Peter as "obedience to the truth" (1:22). In this evening’s Gospel text, John uses contrasts for the word light. He uses evil, wicked, darkness (John 3:19-20).The contrast of lying and living the truth. John does not understand lying in terms of moral casuistry. He describes them as the essence of a godless, death bound world which has shut itself off from the light. A world of people who desire to control their own life and distance themselves from God, Our Creator. People who exist in darkness, ensnared by a profound illusion about themselves. But we, dear brothers and sisters, are not bound to this illusion. We received encouragement from our Gospel Reading. With St. John, we are convinced, that Jesus came as the light into the world to testify to the truth. Through him, grace and truth have appeared. St. Paul’s belief is comforting: We are saved, not by our own efforts, no matter how great and meaningful they might be.
We are saved – by the love and grace of God in Jesus Christ.
This, however, should not lead us to believe that we can have a passive attitude, lifestyle where we don’t need to contribute to the good, the beautiful and to the true world we live in. It is through and with God’s help that we can accomplish great things. The Reading from St. Paul are beautiful words: we are loved. Unconditionally.
This is a truth which has been revealed through Christ Jesus. His entire life, love and works testify to this truth. Jesus was able to face the challenges of life and lovingly, selflessly, unconditionally engage and interact with others because of his truthfulness. Jesus’ unwavering commitment to love and to living based on his teachings brings joy and meaning to our lives, in times of happiness and especially in times of sorrow. This is so important that I will repeat it: Jesus’ commitment to loving and to living brings joy and meaning to our lives, in times of happiness and in times of sorrow.
In Good and Sorrowful Times
I think, it is easy to be joyful and thankful in times of happiness. But to feel joy and thankfulness during times of sorrow and unhappiness is a great challenge. You know, there are lots of people all around us, who find joy in their lives, despite unfortunate circumstances. In this way, Jesus is our role model. He is the reason, we can have joy in our lives. Understanding and embracing the truth that is found in Jesus Christ, gives us the freedom to believe in and worship God. A free person can raise their voice in praise and thanksgiving. In singing and thanking, the eternal and infinite God gently touches our hearts and souls. When we believe and live this truth, new possibilities can emerge.
We are created to love and be loved. To find joy and to live it. We are created for love and joy and invited to seek and find them. For that, I wish us much success and creativity.
Praise be to Jesus Christ. Amen.