What do you see in the mirror?

Friday of the Fourth Week of Lent
Readings may be found here

We do not always like what we see in the mirror.

A crisis like this one has a way of revealing the best and the worst in us. As I read the pointed passage from Wisdom for this Friday, I do not so much like what I see. Wisdom reminds us of that truth that we can be all too ready to allow temptation into our hearts and actions. Who among us can deny the darkness confronted by this passage - that terrible human capacity to blame the good and the innocent for the evil desires and deeds in our own hearts. Indeed, the good person does become "obnoxious" to any who would pretend that their evil deeds are justified or even "good." It is not disturbing that so much of our popular culture revels in the naughty and mocks the nice? Sacrifice, integrity, honor, virtue have become forgotten values in a culture that prizes egotism, self indulgence, and venality. And yet now our very lives and way of life depend upon men and women who live those "old" values in their compassionate and courageous care of the sick. 
​
The passage from the Gospel of John reveals Jesus' forthright honestly and courage in the face of rejection and deadly threats. He continues to reveal the Face of the God of Love - in Whom there is no selfishness. And here is another, more encouraging truth - The Lord Jesus is Himself a mirror held up to each and every one of us - in that mirror we see our calling, our best self, the person God made and intended us to be. Jesus Christ is the Revelation of God and the Revelation of a renewed humanity. Looking into that mirror, I like what I see. 

---