Day 36, Wednesday, 24 March Nothing I say has penetrated into you

 

RETREAT IN LENT 2021

Day 36, Wednesday, 24 March

Nothing I say has penetrated into you

There is a great sadness that comes over us as we continue our journey through these last days of Lent. How is it that they could not see? How was it possible for them to reject someone so manifestly good, wise and loving? Well, they did and Jesus is still brushed aside or, perhaps, ‘tamed’ in the sense that he is created in our image, not we in his. We make him fit into our world rather than making our home in his.

Again, to shame the ‘Jews’, we have an example of ‘conversion’ from the pagan world where the raw Nebuchadnezzar, in one of his nefarious tricks, throws three young men into the furnace. They are untouched by the fire and the king recognises the hand of God and blesses Him (Daniel 3:14-28). The rescue of Shadrack, Meshach and Abednego serves as a parable for the liberation God will bring to all his people.

‘If you make my word your home

You will indeed be my disciples,

And you will learn the truth

And the truth will make you free.’

 

These brief words in John 8:31-42, say everything. Can we ponder these words, chew them and digest them so that they become part of us?