By Betty Hertz, St. John Lay Leader
What's in a name? The Gospel of John
As a result of studying the I AM statements this Lent, my image of Jesus has become clearer … Bread, Light, Shepherd, Vine, Way, Resurrection, Life. Each element has caused me to pause and think about what part each one plays in my spiritual life. To close out this reflection series, I am sharing Rob Fuquay's litany in The God We Can Know Study Guide, p. 45.
Challenge: Just as God spoke to Moses, God wants to speak to us. Let us open our hearts to God who wants to be known and who says.
Response: "I AM WHO I AM."
Challenge: When life pressures us to care more for things than for God, remember that Jesus said,
Response: "I am the Bread of Life. Come to me and never be hungry."
Challenge: When we feel puzzled about which choices are right, we can ask for guidance from the one who said,
Response: "I am the Light of the World."
Challenge: When we feel vulnerable and lost, remember that we are continually being sought by the one who said,
Response: "I am the Good Shepherd and the Gate. Come to me."
Challenge: When we feel powerless and weary, we can find power offered to us by the one who said,
Response: "I am the True Vine. Abide in me."
Challenge: When we wonder who's in and who's out with God, we can find reassurance in the grace embodied in Jesus who welcomed all,
Response: "I am the Way. Follow me."
Challenge: When we face loss and pain, we can find hope in the one who promised us renewed and abundant life, saying,
Response: "I am the Resurrection and the Life. Live in me."
My prayer for you:
Beloved Redeemer,
Open our hearts and guide us when we feel:
Pressured,
Puzzled,
Vulnerable,
Weary,
Grace-less,
Pained.
Help us hear the reassuring words Jesus spoke.
Remind us we can find peace when we rest in your loving arms.
Renew us daily.
In Jesus' name. Amen.