April 2, 2025

Wednesday of the Fourth Week of Lent

Lectionary 246

John 5:17-30:

Meditation

Speaking of God as Father was another way Jesus challenged people's assumptions about their relationship with God. His concern was not to define God's gender but to invite people to a closer relationship with God. He wanted people to know that God was more concerned about them and more approachable than they ever thought possible. Nonetheless, some who heard this were more concerned about maintaining their assumptions about God than hearing this Good News.

Mary spoke of a God who desires to be intimately involved in our lives. She was so concerned about us that she cried. She, too, wanted people to know that God is deeply worried about them and approachable. Mary's tears and Jesus' use of the familiar term Abba conveyed a similar message: God is more concerned about us than we realize.

Most people find it difficult to relate to others in an "up-close and personal" manner. This experience is all the more challenging when God is involved. We find it difficult to believe that God, or any power greater than ourselves, wishes to bring out the best in us. As a result, our individual and corporate lives are marked by selfishness, greed, and illusions of security. We lower our expectations and eventually stop expecting much of anything from God.

Reflection Questions

• Am I convinced that my God wishes to be close to me?
• · Am I ready to take my first step toward greater intimacy with God?