# God lifted up
*2015-03-17*

> Bill Young reflects on the Gospel of John and the meaning of being 'lifted up' through the Paschal Mystery.

## Reflections on Faith and Persecution

I hope everyone had a great St. Patrick's Day yesterday. Before we get into today's scripture, I want to provide an update on the dream my wife had. She dreamt she was in a local department store in South Florida, and at a certain time of day, a bell rang and everyone—men and women dressed in black—started to lie down and pray. I didn't mention previously that they were dressed as if they were going to a banquet; the men were in suits and the women were in dresses. If you want to interpret a dream, this suggests a celebration, though perhaps not the kind of celebration we would like as Christians.

Some people have suggested that we should speak out more on the freedom of religion and the struggles that Christians face around the world. In our country, we have freedom of religion and expression, but that is not the case everywhere. In some places, people must make a choice: follow another religion or die for Christ. Those are the true martyrs, and those are the true people going to heaven.

## The Word of God

Our scripture reading today is from John 8:26b-30. Jesus said to them, 'The one who sent me is true, and I declare to the world what I have heard from him.' They did not understand that he was speaking to them about the Father. So Jesus said, 'When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will realize that I am he and that I do nothing on my own, but I speak these things as the Father instructed me. And the one who sent me is with me; he has not left me alone, for he always does what is pleasing to him.' As he was saying these things, many believed in him.

## The Meaning of Being Lifted Up

In today's reflection, we encounter that strange expression, 'lifted up.' The Evangelist is referring, of course, to the crucifixion, when Christ is raised up on Calvary as he offers his spirit and life to God, his loving Father. Within the event of the crucifixion is a powerful dynamic: the conquest of sin and death.

When we come to God with our own crosses—our own sufferings, insecurities, diseases, and troubles—God raises us up to a new life. Many cannot fathom the force at play in this life-giving change, which is why we call it the Paschal mysteries. Perhaps the only way to approach it is to plunge into the experience.

*May we allow ourselves to be raised to a new life in the Trinity, made possible by the love expressed on Calvary.*