“Worshiping God in spirit and in truth” is a prominent theme in the Gospel of St. John. That kind of “worship,” however, was obviously absent when Jesus stepped into the Temple in Jerusalem (John 2, 13-25). His response was to cleanse the Temple of all that betrayed the “worship” which God desired. Perhaps just as obviously, there is a sense today that many people have forgotten how to worship at all, let alone “in spirit and in truth.” Even our own liturgical acts in the Church easily become simply “gatherings,” reunions, or “experiences.”
To “worship” means to acknowledge the transcendence of God, and God’s claim on us as our Creator, and to respond appropriately. Rather than being just a relic of primitive religion, “worship” is an integral part of the Judeo-Christian religious sense. From deep within us, springs the desire to worship and adore God. Getting in tune with that desire, rediscovering it, and expressing it through word and gesture, is at the heart of this Lenten season.
In order to “worship in spirit and in truth,” we must prepare our hearts and minds by being faithful to the Covenant relationship God has established with us (i.e., keeping the Commandments) and seeking the wisdom of God – which is the wisdom of the Cross.
As we prepare to participate in the Mass this weekend, we would do well to consider questions like these: are we ready to let Jesus cleanse us, as He cleansed the Temple? Are we willing to leave our sins behind and more wholeheartedly seek the Way of the Lord? Are we ready to simplify our lives, getting rid of any needless clutter? Are we willing to enter (more and more) into the new Temple, which is Jesus Himself, praying in and through Him – in spirit and in truth?
