If I have you, God,
I will have enough. 

John Chapters 13-17  

Interesting, isn't it, that in John's Gospel there is no formal institution of the last supper? But, what a full table he puts before us in these chapters leading up to the Passion. Filled with actions, declarations and questions, John gives us much to ponder.

John keeps his lens focused on Jesus and the cross. The cross is God's supreme act of love, and through his death, Jesus changes the relationship of humans to God. The cross points us to the truth, liberates us, and becomes the model for what it means to "love one another." From the upper room and foot-washing, to the garden and betrayal, to the cross and death, Jesus draws us to himself through the power of unfathomable love.

Bonhoeffer tells us, "It is only because we follow Jesus that we can be genuinely truthful, for then he reveals to us our sin upon the cross. The cross is God's truth about us, and is therefore the only power than can make us truthful. When we know the cross we are no longer afraid." (Cost of Discipleship) So, on this evening, we humbly pray with Tereas of Avilla: 

Let nothing, O Lord,

Disturb the silence of this night.

Let nothing make me afraid.

Let me go humbly

into the darkness

admitting to myself and to you

that of myself I am nothing.

Let me walk in this hard truth

accepting my own frailty and folly,

even as you open my eyes

to the incomprehensible wonders and marvels

that you have in store

for those who follow you in truth.

If I have you, God,

I will have enough.

You alone suffice.

--Madelyn Herman Busse, diaconal minister