Wednesday of the Seventh Week of Easter
(Acts 20:28-38; John 17:11b-19)
Bicycle mechanics speak of “truing” wheels. This means that they adjust the tension on
the spokes equally so that the wheel’s rotation does not pull it from side to
side. If the wheel is not “true,” it
will wobble to cause an uncomfortable ride.
The “truth” that Jesus expresses in today’s gospel may be understood in
this way.
Jesus himself is the word that is truth. He grounds his disciples in what is good and
pleasing to God so that they might attain eternal life. Without him the way would become so arduous
that the disciples would begin to wobble.
They would not be able to not complete their journey. In this “priestly prayer” on behalf of the
people Jesus petitions the Father. He
asks the Father to consecrate his disciples “in truth.” He wants them close to
him for guidance and support.
We are used to think of truth classically. Truth is what corresponds closely to
reality. John’s gospel stretches our
notion of truth to include what is most practical. Truth – that is, Jesus of Nazareth – will
enable us to attain eternal bliss, our heart’s deepest desire.
