The first half of the Lenten liturgy centers on the three elements of our programme of conversion: prayer, almsgiving and fasting. The second half of the Lenten liturgy, which began last Sunday, is an extended reflection on the history of Jesus' redeeming love. Our guide is St John, and all of the Gospel readings are from his account of Jesus' journey towards Calvary. Central to John are chapters 5, 7 and 8, which recount Jesus' confrontation with the Jewish leaders.

Jesus is very blunt, very confrontational here. When some people say John is their favourite Gospel, rarely are they thinking of these chapters. And yet they are perhaps the heart of John. Jesus challenges the "Jews" (John's word for the Jewish leaders) to radical honesty. He claims God as His own Father and the source of all His teaching. And he says: "He who refuses to honour the Son refuses to honour the Father who sent him". The contrast between light and darkness, between life and death is clear and uncompromising. Like the Pharisees, we are challenged to make a choice, to take our stand. We cannot question forever. Sooner or later, we are either radically for Jesus or radically against Him. Easter joy is the lot of those with the courage to choose life and light - to choose Jesus.