I AM GOING AWAY
(John 8:21-30)
What an announcement by the Lord!
Where is he going to? The Jews wondered.
He replied: Where I am going, you cannot come.
Oh Jesus, why can't we come?
What's happening? You can't come because
"you are from below, I am from above, you are of this world, I am not of
this world, I told you that you would die in your sin, for you will die in your
sins unless you believe that I am he". God forbid!
It is only a tree that would know
that it will be cut down and remain at a place. This is supposed to be a note of
last warning and a call for repentance for the Jews, but they would not read
the handwriting on the wall. "I am going away" is an invitation for
them to cease the moment and run to God for mercy.
What is it that would stop us
from going where Christ is leading us to? What are the attachments and cares,
the worries and temptations or the sins holding us down? Jesus is saying that
the Jews are from below. Are we also still living like those from below? Are we
still behaving like those who do not have heaven as our target? Do we still get
stuck to the enslavements of our lower appetites?
Jesus desires to take us up,
Jesus wants us to aspire for holiness. Jesus wants our attentions to be fixed
on Him. Jesus exhorts us to beware lest we perish in sin. Let us hear the word
of God this Holy Season and allow it to touch our lives. Let nothing stop us from journeying along
with Christ through His Passion and death to His glorious resurrection. May we
never die in sin but die to sin and live to righteousness.
LET US PRAY
Do not go away from us because of
our sins Oh Lord. Help us to follow You wholeheartedly Holy and Gentle Shepherd
of our souls. We depend on You, raise our minds and hearts to live for You all
the days of our lives in holiness and live forever with You in heaven through
Christ our Lord. Amen
God bless your Tuesday (5th Week
of Lent)
Rev Fr Julian O Ekeh
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