The gospel begins today with the words, "at that time."
At that time, Jesus walked by the sea of Galilee, went up on the mountain, and sat down there.
At that time...
St. Bernard states there are three comings of Christ: In the first coming he was sent on earth, dwelling among men; the Lord came in our flesh and in our weakness. The last coming is when he comes in the end for final judgment, he shall come in all glory and power and strength; all shall look upon the one they have pierced.
In the first, Christ comes as our redemption; in the last he will appear as our life.
In between the first and the last, the Lord comes as well but in spirit and truth. In the middle coming he is to be our rest and consolation. As the gospel reminds us Jesus says, "If anyone loves me he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him."
We must let Christ's word enter into our very being, letting it take possession of our desires and whole way of life.
We must feed on his goodness and our soul will delight in richness. Here in this middle coming, we must eat the bread lest our heart whither away. In Spirit and truth, the middle coming presents himself, as food for the journey, a hidden presence that is veiled only to be seen with eyes of faith.
Now is the time for such a presence. Now is the time for living in the Spirit and Truth of things. Now is the time for Faith to bring sight to blind, quicken the steps of those who are sluggish, open our mouths that we might proclaim the good news, to undo the deformity of our hearts and minds.
Now is the time for the victory of Faith.
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