Jesus, you want to reveal the Father to us. You reveal yourself and speak your word to us because if we believe in you we also believe in the one who sent you. If we obey your commands we obey the commands of the Father. We must not write you off as one who merely speaks on his own. There are a lot of people who do that. There are many so-called gurus and guides who make it up as they go along. There ultimate test of truth is how well it works for them or, worse, how easy it is to sell. Jesus, you are the truth. But you are the truth precisely because of your openness to the Father's will. This is not some academic notion which we can each solve and hold on our own in isolation. This is a living truth which is found only in humility.
Because this is so we see that the Church at Antioch gain access to the truth more through prayer than through labors of the intellect.
While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said,
“Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul
for the work to which I have called them.”
Then, completing their fasting and prayer,
they laid hands on them and sent them off.
We can't gain access to your truth by just working harder. Nothing which might have pride as a side effect is permitted. You choose to make foolish the wisdom of the world (cf. 1 Cor. 1:20). Jesus, "thou hast hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to babes" (cf. Mat. 11:25).
This is why it is not just truth but light. Error is not just mistake but darkness. Only in relationship with you do we find not just truths but the truth which sets us free (cf. Joh. 8:32).
I came into the world as light,
so that everyone who believes in me might not remain in darkness.
We can recognize the places where we accept abstractions instead of the word you speak. Abstractions make us prideful without moving us to works of mercy. They lead to a contentedness which is false. They lead to a security which turns us inward and away from you and others. Your word itself condemns us because it rules out pride and excludes selfishness.
But when we, in humility, truly accept your word it sends us forth. It motivates us and gives us purpose.
So they, sent forth by the Holy Spirit,
Because it sends us and motivates us it is true peace and joy. It is ultimately "eternal life."
May the peoples praise you, O God;
may all the peoples praise you!
May God bless us,
and may all the ends of the earth fear him!
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