“Do not let your hearts be troubled” (John 14:1)
Today’s Gospel (John 14:1-6) gives the reason why distressed disciples have hope and meaning in their lives: Jesus assures them “I am the Way, the Truth and the Life”
The “Way” – was how discipleship was expressed from the time of the earliest followers of Jesus. (Acts of the Apostles)
The “Truth” – “You will know the truth, and the truth will make you free” (John 8:32)
The “Life” – “And this is eternal life, that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.” (John 17:3)
Bishop Eugene de Mazenod wrote to the people of Marseilles:
We have told you, united to Jesus Christ we are established in a happy solidarity with Him, on which our salvation depends. The Christian life is simply a perpetual communion with Jesus Christ.
(Pastoral Letter, February 1846)
These are not empty theological ideas: Jesus lived these in his love for people, giving his life to teach, serve and redeem. We are seeing reflections of the Risen Christ continuing this around us every day – highlighted during the pandemic in those who continue his actions of teaching, serving and saving.
It would seem that Eugene’s words of “The Christian life is simply a perpetual communion with Jesus Christ” hold the key. I have been looking at the “doing” part rather than the “being” part. It would seem that everything is changing. What does perpetual communion look like now?
How do I live in perpetual communion with my Beloved? How do I not give up because of lockdown and other restrictions, because of my own weaknesses and limitations? How do I become inspired by the actions of teaching, serving and saving of others?
It must begin with acknowledgement of the goodness, courage and the gifts without measure of so many. I lose nothing by applauding and giving thanks for who they are. And then… and then I look at how I too in my small and invisible ways can do the same. What am I drawn to? How do I feel called?
It seems this time of pandemic is often seen only in its darkness. But there is light. And perhaps I too am called to become a small light – it doesn’t have to be so large as to blind out another’s.
I look at the tone of how Eugene now speaks to us, there is a new light, a new way of focusing and being led and inspired. I am reminded of the years of darkness and change for Eugene before he became Bishop of Marseilles. The rules changed and he was not able to preach in the same way that he did before. Yes, he was silenced in some ways, but he did not give up. He turned to his community and served them with his leadership, his experience, with his love.
That is what I am inspired to be and do today. The way, the truth and the life. It is not static but rather dynamic – it is this that Eugene is calling us to in the light of today’s scripture reading.