God, the Son, knew that there would be a time when he would assume the body of a man on earth to move the people and all creation to a new understanding of and a renewed relationship with God.
“He did not cling to who he was, but emptied himself, and he assumed the condition of
a slave. Why did the Son of God do this? It was out of love. He came to teach, preach, heal, save, and to show “the way, the truth and the life”. (John 14:6) He is the Way, he is the Truth, he is Life. Jesus teaches love of God and neighbour. Our spiritual journey is about childlikeness, helplessness, and dependence on God, as well as gratitude and forgiveness. Jesus shows us how, constantly turning to his and our Father.
In John’s Gospel, we hear Jesus say, “No one can have greater love than to lay down his life for his friends.” (John 15:13) This is what Jesus did; he lay down his life for his friends. His mission was to show us that God is not distant, uncaring, judgmental, unforgiving and vindictive. We listen to Jesus on the cross, saying, “Father, forgive them; they do not know what they are doing.” (Luke 23:34) Jesus is the face of God for us, the image of the invisible God.
God’s love creates. We are the created, the beloved. Jesus gave his human life to assure us of God’s invitation into intimacy, to teach us to love as God loves. We are invited to “follow” Jesus. This is more than just knowing about or walking along with. We are to become personally involved in God’s vision of oneness in love. We are invited to receive all God’s many blessings, value and find joy in them, and then express our love, emptying
ourselves, too. Everything is a gift, and the gifts are for all. Enjoy and let go!
How am I “following” Jesus?
How do I empty myself? What will I let go of?
What does fullness of life in God look like for me?
In what ways do I show gratitude?
Reflections by Kath Knowles
