The Father’s Truth Is Ours
by Fr. David M. Knight
March 20, 2024
Wednesday (Week V of Lent)
Lectionary No. 253
Daniel 3:14-20, 91-95; Responsorial: Daniel 3:52-56; John 8:31-42
"Slaves do not abide in a household forever, but children always abide." John 8:35
Before the Civil War, household slaves had higher status than field slaves because, working in the home, they acquired the family’s culture. But it was not fully theirs because they did not “abide” in the home. Jesus differed from the Jews who learned God’s truth only through their culture and historical contact with God, because Jesus “grew up” with God’s Truth from all eternity. “I tell you what I have seen in the Father’s presence.”
Reflecting on creation as a guests in God’s world frees us partially from ignorance, but we are still slaves to our culture. If we are reborn “in the Son,” however, we “abide” in Truth as in our own home. As “grace” is the gift of sharing in God’s own act of existing (“eternal life”), “faith” is the gift of sharing in God’s own act of knowing. This is the “truth that sets us free.” We who “abide” in Truth are no longer slaves, but have the freedom of God’s children (Romans 8:21).
Faith, to be conscious, must be put into words. So Jesus specifies: “If you abide in my word, you will… know the truth, and the truth will make you free.” To truly “be free” we must study God’s words as committed disciples, and translate into action what we have “seen in the Father’s presence.”
ACTION: Become familiar with the Word through his words. Read Scripture.
PRAYER: “Jesus, let your words abide in me.”
Reflections brought to you by the Immersed in Christ Ministry
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