3 April 2014
Thursday of the Fourth Week of Lent
How much testimony does Jesus need? The escalating conflict of John’s gospel revolves around the question of who Jesus is. Who sent him? Where did he come from? How can anyone be sure about his claims? And so, the gospel begins to assemble the list. Moses testified to Jesus. Not that he mentioned him by name, but that the righteousness Moses proclaimed to the people is fulfilled in Jesus’ own righteousness. John the Baptist testified to Jesus in calling the people back to their divine vocation. Jesus’ own words testify to himself because they are filled with wisdom. His signs testify because in these mighty miracles one sees the action of the Father testifying to His Son. And Jesus’ actions testify because he does not seek himself in what he does, but the will of the Father.
Still this is not enough. And so the Father will testify to the Son by raising him on the third day. And the Spirit will testify by inspiring within the early church those same deeds and words which came from Jesus in his public ministry. And still, men will not believe because their hearts are closed. “You do not have the love of God within you.” All they would have to do is turn to Him and they would be radiant with joy. If only we would listen to the words of the psalm we pray every Sunday during Compline:
O men, how long will your hearts be closed,
Will you love what is futile and seek what is false?
“What can bring us happiness?” many say.
Let the light of your face shine on us, O Lord.
You have put into my heart a greater joy
Than they have from abundance of corn and new wine.