”Truly, truly, I say to you, he who hears my word and believes him who sent me, has eternal life; he does not come into judgment/condemnation (εἰς κρίσιν οὐκ ἔρχεται), but has passed (μεταβέβηκεν) from death to life.” (Jn 5: 24)
Here is the choice my Lord places before me: 1. I can “come into judgment/condemnation,” which means sitting in my own “debt” or death-bringing guilt, without embracing God’s mercy and God’s way forward, or 2. I can “hear” His word and embrace faith, moving forward through the ups and downs, on the life-bringing way of the cross, in humble forgiveness of myself and others. Thus I can “pass from death to life,” walking through things in the light and lightness of God’s word.
Today let me choose life, asking the right kinds of questions. Let me ask God’s kinds of questions, based not on crippling self-pity or self-centered fear, but based on constructive self-offering and response-ability (the ability to respond) to Christ’s call. Lord, help us do the next right thing today, in humble self-acceptance and gratitude for things as they are. “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden,” the Lord says to me this morning, “and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am meek and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” (Mt 11: 28-30)
Christ is risen, dear friends! Please tune in to our daily, weekday “Morning Coffee” audio-podcasts, for some daily inspiration on our journey from Pascha to Pentecost! Join our 500+ faith-inspired subscribers at: patreon.com/sistervassa. Love from Vienna, Sister Vassa
