We declare to you what was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we have looked at and touched with our hands, concerning the word of life— ² this life was revealed, and we have seen it and testify to it and declare to you the eternal life that was with the Father and was revealed to us— ³ what we have seen and heard we also declare to you so that you also may have fellowship with us, and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ. ⁴ We are writing these things so that our joy may be complete. (1 John 1:1-4, NRSVue)

We are about to enter Holy Week in the Church world. Sunday will celebrate Jesus entering Jerusalem with the shouts of “Hosanna!” and waving palms. In the Anglican Church, it will also be the Gospel reading of the great passion of Jesus, preparing us for a week of reflection and remembering.

As we are ending Lent, one thing the Lord put on my heart was a prayer of, “Lord, let me see the depths of your love.” Holy Week is time to experience that depth.

The depth of his love in the passion gives us a glimpse into the full life of the Kingdom, what John refers to as “eternal life” in the passage above. What John was a witness to in the life of Christ, and also in his suffering, is the life of fullness in the Kingdom as it has always been intended. John was a witness to what was ahead for the people of God. The fullness of life with God was tasted by the disciples. What God intends is powerful.

John walked with Jesus knowing the depths of God’s love for humanity. The age to come has already been revealed. The future has burst onto the present. The problem is this: the present isn’t ready for that fullness of power.

What John tasted is what I long for as I meditate on the deep love of Christ: “We have seen the future, and it’s full of life and light and joy and hope.”

My heart deepens with longing. “Lord, hasten that day!”