The 34 word in my Lent lexicon is:
I AM.
It takes me to the heart of the mystery of God, to God’s response to Moses when he asks God’s name at the Burning Bush. It recalls the mystery and wonder of the God who dwells in the heart of the pillar of fire, and the darkness of the cloud that leads the Israelites through the desert.
It’s echoed that striking moment in the gospel when Jesus asks the disciples who the crowds say he is. Their initial answer ranging from John the Baptist to Elijah doesn’t satisfy him, and he narrows his question down until Peter answers “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God…”
It’s a question that the gospel regularly presents each of us with, especially in Lent as we seek to follow him more closely. As we draw closer to Holy Week John’s gospel offers us an answer as Jesus seeks to reveal himself to the crowds. In today’s gospel he says:
“‘I am the light of the world… I know where I came from and where I am going; but you do not know where I come from or where I am going…I may be testifying on my own behalf, but the Father who sent me is my witness too.”
His disclosure tells us that his true identity is in his closeness to the Father. This both answers the question and draws us deeper into it. How does Jesus’ union with the Father change our view of him?
Does it affect our view of ourselves? These are not questions with easy answers, they require deep and repeated reflection. As Jesus defines his “I AM” for our we might find our response changing and growing through the myriad challenges and joys of life.
As we journey through Lent where are you recognising Christ?