Alex Swain

Siblings in Christ,

As we journey with, through, in, about, around, and by the side of Jesus, the Redeemer of the World, God Made Flesh, we may (and should!) find ourselves desiring closer proximity to Him. I know that one of my deepest and most resonant prayers is to be drawn ever more closely to Our Lord.

In today's Gospel reading, Jesus speaks directly to this. He declares that “If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.” (John 8:32). This verse strongly reminds me of my time in Beloved in the Desert, barely a year ago, when this maxim rang all the more true. I began to see quite clearly that the closer I bind myself to Jesus, the closer I attempt to be with God, the more fully formed I find myself. I step into a truer understanding of myself through proximity to the Ultimate Truth, who is Jesus.

The Gospel notes that many believed in him as He taught. From 2,000 years ago to today, many believe in Him and deeply desired to be His disciple. Although not directly in this reading, I find Jesus´ summary of the law to be a great example of what it means to continue in His word.

Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” (Matthew 22:37 - 40)

With that, dear friends, may we ever continue to strive in Christ´s words and act as His disciples, in so doing, ever more being made free, as children of God, redeemed and made whole by God's great grace.

Yours in Christ,
Alex Swain
Beloved in the Desert alumnus