The Church
of the Ascension
Fifth Avenue at Tenth Street
New York City, New York

Mailing address:
12 W. 11th St
New York, NY 10011

v: 212-254-8620
f: 212-254-6520

Worship schedule
Sundays: 9am, 11am
Monday–Friday: 6pm

Wednesday, March 28, 2007

Wednesday in the Fifth Week of Lent

Canticle 13 (BCP, p.90)
Daniel 3:14-20,24-28
John 8:31-42

If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free. ...I tell you everyone who commits sin is a slave to sin.

John 8:31

John is a great gospel to read when struggling with truth and lies. John shows us that following the truth leads us to Jesus, who is the Truth, and the Way to God's love. God's love frees us from the lies and sins that enslave us.

Struggling with lies is a part of life. The lies we hear when we are young and the lies we continue to hear need to be brought to the truth of God. The song, "Carefully Taught" from South Pacific contains the familiar line, "You've got to be taught to hate and fear...you've got to be carefully taught." Our families, friends, teachers, books and the media very carefully teach us many half-truths and lies.

Sometimes we are told we are not good enough, or that we are better than others, or that we will be happy through buying the right products. Sometimes lies make us feel good, and at other times the lies can cause severe pain.

Today after spending a few minutes in silence, open your heart and mind to the truth of God. Remember how we are all precious and beloved children of God. Next call to mind one of the lies in your life. Keeping your mind as quiet as possible hold that lie up to the Truth. Ask God to replace this lie with the truth, and to help you to live the truth in freedom from sin.

...You should do what you have heard from the Father.

John 8:38

Lynda Foster (2001)

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