To present the truth of reality, one must simultaneously work against untruths, or views that prevent reality from breaking into consciousness. If our parishioners suffered from the disease of self-divinization, I would not write the following interpretation. Rather, I would emphasize the truth that the God who is present is always and necessarily also the God who is beyond all knowing, all consciousness. Because our people have been exposed to more literalistic and fundamentalistic biblical interpretations, I write the following.
In reading a passage such as the inspiring 14th chapter of the Gospel of John, you ought not to think of it as words uttered once in space-time to the chosen Apostles, and then passed on to you. These words are much more intimate. What Jesus said to others, we do not know. It is good that we read the words as though Christ is speaking to us—to you, the hearer or the reader, here and now. And He is, if I dare to speak on behalf of the Risen One. The good news of the gospel, however, is even better than this. Christ Jesus is speaking to you, and within you, at the same time. Christ is the experience of the unknown God in the mind of believers. God as “Father” remains beyond experience, but God as Christ speaks to you—not from outside and far above, but as present within your own consciousness.
Consider this example to aid understanding. Jesus asks, “Have I been with you for so long a time and you you still do not know me, Philip?” In most of your cases, your name is not “Philip,” so feel free to hear your own name spoken. “Have I been with you for so long, and yet you do not know me, Bob?” Faith in Christ is our way of attending to God, of keeping God in consciousness (as in Romans, chapter 1). Of course it is important to seek to put Christ’s words into practice, but the most essential practice is to listen to Christ, to commune with him, to worship the God who keeps breaking in, even when we have locked the doors of our hearts and minds. The I AM is in you and with you as Christ, and in that sense, He shepherds, guides you, consoles, divinizes you.
A man or woman of faith can never be alone or abandoned. God as Christ, or the Holy Spirit (same God experienced as love, joy, peace, forgiveness) is in you, with you, through every experience and moment. “I will never abandon you; you are mine.” I hear those words as spoken to me personally, don’t you? If not, why not? “Why have you fear? Have you no faith?” Is Christ speaking to you?
