Frederick Denison Maurice

01Apr
Then Pilate entered the headquarters again, summoned Jesus, and asked him, ‘Are you the King of the Jews?’ Jesus answered, ‘Do you ask this on your own, or did others tell you about me?’ Pilate replied, ‘I am not a Jew, am I? Your own nation and the chief priests have handed you over to me. What have you done?’ Jesus answered, ‘My kingdom is not from this world. If my kingdom were from this world, my followers would be fighting to keep me from being handed over to the Jews. But as it is, my kingdom is not from here.’ Pilate asked him, ‘So you are a king?’ Jesus answered, ‘You say that I am a king. For this I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice.’  
 -John 18:33-37


“For this I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice.” Recognizing the truth is one of the great challenges of being human; having the courage to speak the truth is one of the great virtues of humanity. Today the Church remembers an English priest of the 19th century - Frederick Denison Maurice. Born the son of a Unitarian minister, Maurice demonstrated an acuity for the academic life, studying civil law at Cambridge. Yet here is an insight into his integrity: having earned his degree, he refused to accept it because he would not declare himself a member in the Anglican Church. Maurice would later come into the Anglican Church on his own, eventually being ordained and having multiple professorships at University, most recognized for his work in Christian theology.


This may sound odd for an Episcopal priest to say, but I have typically admired the few young people in parishes I have served who have decided not to be confirmed after going through a series of confirmation classes. Often, there is pressure from families to “just get it done”, as well as internal pressure from the young person to fit in with peers, and not to disappoint others. My experience has been, like that of Maurice, that they were just not ready yet, not that they were opposed to deepening a life of faith. These students are often the very kinds of people we need in the Church - people of courage and integrity committed to being honest with themselves and others.


I believe Christ calls us to be bearers of the truth, even when that truth may embarrass us or be awkward for others to hear. Because this is often the very truth that expresses love in the clearest way possible.


Musical Reflection - The Truth - Megan Woods


Almighty God, who has restored our human nature to heavenly glory through the perfect obedience of our Savior Jesus Christ: Enliven in your Church, we pray, a passion for justice and truth; that, like your servant Frederick Denison Maurice, we may work and pray for the triumph of the kingdom of Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. 

Kingdom of GodLentTruth

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