the church of the
ascension
in the city of
new york
Friday, March 07, 2008
Friday in the Fourth Week of Lent
by Steven Hubbard
Psalm 34:15-22
Wisdom 2:1a,12-24
John 7:1-2,25
For me, today's readings focus on fear. We often experience fear, and we let fear keep us from following the path best suited for us. Of courses, Jesus recognizes this fear in today's gospel reading from John, and he embraces his path. He directly tells the crowd, "You know who I am." He identifies himself and does not give in to fear. Some feared this proclamation would mean his arrest, but that does not happen.
This passage reminds me of the times when I let fear keep me from going forward. For instance, I remember waiting until the spring semester of my senior year of college to "come out," because I was afraid of being perceived as different by my friends. I waited until the end of my college years, because I knew I would be leaving after graduation. Fear kept me from identifying my true self. So, I let go of college friendships and never allowed friends to really know who I am. For me, I let fear weaken many friendships.
When I think back on this time and today's gospel reading, I try to reflect on these questions:
How can I keep fear from blocking my path forward?
What am I afraid of, and how is that fear keeping me from doing what needs to be done?
Psalm 34:15-22
Wisdom 2:1a,12-24
John 7:1-2,25
For me, today's readings focus on fear. We often experience fear, and we let fear keep us from following the path best suited for us. Of courses, Jesus recognizes this fear in today's gospel reading from John, and he embraces his path. He directly tells the crowd, "You know who I am." He identifies himself and does not give in to fear. Some feared this proclamation would mean his arrest, but that does not happen.
This passage reminds me of the times when I let fear keep me from going forward. For instance, I remember waiting until the spring semester of my senior year of college to "come out," because I was afraid of being perceived as different by my friends. I waited until the end of my college years, because I knew I would be leaving after graduation. Fear kept me from identifying my true self. So, I let go of college friendships and never allowed friends to really know who I am. For me, I let fear weaken many friendships.
When I think back on this time and today's gospel reading, I try to reflect on these questions:
How can I keep fear from blocking my path forward?
What am I afraid of, and how is that fear keeping me from doing what needs to be done?
