Learning From Christ

For I have set you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you.

John 13:15

It often happens that as I read scripture I am stopped suddenly by one image or phrase.  Verse 15 in John’s 13^th chapter had that effect on me this morning. 
The setting is familiar—the disciples are gathered and Jesus is teaching through example.  He is washing their dusty, and probably tired, feet.  He is serving them and showing them both the beauty and necessity of service.

But this one sentence-you should do as I have done to you-sums up the whole Christian life.

Thomas a Kempis wrote a book about this way of following Jesus called The Imitation of Christ.

If we wish to be truly enlightened and free from all blindness of heart let our chief effort, therefore, be to study the life of Jesus Christ.

It is natural for us to imitate or desire to be like those we admire, and those we love.  Human beings learn through watching and practicing the behaviors of others.

Because we are social creatures; we are community creatures.  We flourish most when we allow the scriptures and sacraments and members of the Body of Christ to teach us about Christ.

In order to learn, though, we have to be teachable.  We have to be willing to listen humbly and generously to others.

It is hard to learn when you are sure of your own knowledge.

So as we walk toward the Cross and Resurrection this week, let’s suspend all that we think we know about this journey and let God teach us anew.  God’s saving love will reach even the darkest corners of our sorrow, and make them shine with Resurrection light!