Getting The Word

Whoever is of God hears the words of God. The reason why you do not hear them is that you are not of God.”
The Jews answered him, “Are we not right in saying that you are a Samaritan and have a demon?” Jesus answered, “I do not have a demon, but I honor my Father, and you dishonor me. Yet I do not seek my own glory; there is One who seeks it, and he is the judge. Truly, truly, I say to you, if anyone keeps my word, he will never see death.” The Jews said to him, “Now we know that you have a demon! Abraham died, as did the prophets, yet you say, ‘If anyone keeps my word, he will never taste death.’ Are you greater than our father Abraham, who died? And the prophets died! Who do you make yourself out to be?” Jesus answered, “If I glorify myself, my glory is nothing. It is my Father who glorifies me, of whom you say, ‘He is our God.’ But you have not known him. I know him. If I were to say that I do not know him, I would be a liar like you, but I do know him and I keep his word. Your father Abraham rejoiced that he would see my day. He saw it and was glad.” So the Jews said to him, “You are not yet fifty years old, and have you seen Abraham?” Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am.” So they picked up stones to throw at him, but Jesus hid himself and went out of the temple.
John 8:47-59

We returned late last night after being in New York with our daughter Emily who has been in the hospital all week. We got word this morning that she is going home finally, and can start recuperating surrounded by caring friends, who are really family. We can say the words, family, trust etc, but it is really the actions and activity that demonstrate the love of family. Words can point the direction but it is the relationship and constancy that really matter. We have friends who are taking her into their home and caring for her until she is back on her feet. That is love truly made visible, living and true.

The religious leadership of the temple has been so caught up in the words that they fail to see the activity and love of God right in front of their eyes. They would rather argue words than live in relationship with God. They would rather be right than to participate in the lives of others. We are invited to make choices every day. We can judge and dismiss others or we can find a way to be in relationship with them, living and breathing the word of God.

Today, as we recover from hard traveling, I ask God to help me live a life of true relationship and forgiveness. May my life incarnate the word of God, rather than obscure the word in pettiness and judgement. May exhausted arms still be ready to embrace, may a weary face be every ready to smile and laugh and may we all be ready to live the love of God so others may thrive.