The Work of God

[lounge lizard voice]

Okay, I’d like to take it down a bit now…

So yesterday, I’m reading the gospel of John:

25 When they found him on the other side of the lake, they asked him, “Rabbi, when did you get here?” 26 Jesus answered, “I tell you the truth, you are looking for me, not because you saw miraculous signs but because you ate the loaves and had your fill. 27 Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. On him God the Father has placed his seal of approval.” 28 Then they asked him, “What must we do to do the works God requires?” 29 Jesus answered, “The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent.”¹

Easy enough, no?

The multitudes that followed Jesus had seen miracle upon miracle, and yet they still asked what sign He would perform so they could believe. When I was younger, I would tsk, tsk, and wag my head at this passage. Foolish people! How could they be so blind?

Well, I don’t do that any longer, for now I understand that belief is work.

“Oh, if I had been there, to sit on that hill and hear Jesus teach! To be fed miraculously by Him; I would have no doubts.”

And yet, I am fed miraculously by Jesus at each and every Eucharist, and still I struggle to believe. I remember all the many times He has welcomed me back after another of my treasons against Him, and still I struggle to believe. So many occasions come to mind when His comfort dispelled my pain and yet I will not believe. But, Jesus in His mercy and love, bears with me in my hardheartedness.

My patient Teacher, refuses to rap me on the knuckles when I play an errant chord. “Try again,” He whispers.

¹John 6:25-29 NIV