The Liturgy of the Word
Isaiah 49:1-7 ; Psalm 71:1-14 ; 1 Corinthians 1:18-31 ; John 12:20-36
Anthony the Great was the fourth century leader of Egyptian monasticism. A story is told that a well-worn monk and a young novice would journey each year into the desert to seek the wisdom of Anthony. Upon finding him, the monk would seek instruction from the great Anthony on the life of prayer, devotion to Jesus, and his understanding of the Scriptures. While the monk was asking all the questions the novice would simply stand quietly and take it all in.
The next year the well-worn monk and the young novice again went into the desert to find Anthony and seek his counsel. Again the monk was full of questions, well the young novice simply stood by without saying a word. The pattern was repeated year after year. Finally Anthony said to the young novice, "Why do you come here? Year after year, you never ask any questions, you never desire my counsel, and you never seek my wisdom. Why do you come? Why do you not speak?"
The novice spoke for the first time in the presence of the great saint. "It is enough just to see you. It is enough, for me, just to see you." (J Neil Alexander, Feasting on the Word.)
Jesus is seen in ways too numerous to count, too varied to describe. All are authentic as they lead to belief and commitment, love of God and love of neighbor. This Holy Week may we see Jesus in one place, in one way, where we have never seen him before. And learn from our Lord a new facet of grace.
Anthem: If Ye Love Me Keep My Commandments
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| Thomas Tallis - If Ye Love Me Keep My Commandments |
Let us pray.
O God, by the passion of your blessed Son you made an instrument of shameful death to be for us the means of life: Grant us so to glory in the cross of Christ, that we may gladly suffer shame and loss for the sake of your Son our Savior Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
