Leave-taking of the Encounter; The Holy Martyr Agatha (249-51)
2 John 1:1-13; Mark 15:22-25, 33-41
Abstention from meat and foods that contain meat
Read 2 John 1:1-13
Few are the books of the bible you can read in one sitting. The second letter of John is one of them. However, it is best not read once, but reread. Here we see all the Johannine elements on full display in. First, the truth here is not an abstract fact, but has a personal dimension. It abides in us. This is a key verb for Johannine tradition. When he asks his disciples to “remain in my love” it is the same verb. It has an existential dimension to it. It means a living person is dwelling inside of us who not only speaks the truth, but is the truth himself. We are jaded. Living in an age of “disinformation” or “fake news.” We question the sources of our information. We admit that public figures may stumble on the truth sometimes, but more often than not, we doubt the words on their lips. The thought experiment of someone who never lies might be far fetched. But this is the case with Jesus. To receive him in our life means to receive the one who not only speaks the truth, but incarnates it in his very being. This truth can abide in us insofar as we are connected to him. The epistle of John names the cost of this abiding truth means keeping the commandment of love. With lent on the horizon. We are asked to be renewed in charity. Let us also make the commitment to be renewed in letting the truth abide in us. This means letting fall the defences of our scepticism, to let the pure light of his divine knowledge be planted firmly in our hearts.