Less is More
As I read through John’s Gospel for today, I could not help but think of the saying, “less is more.” Not because of the number of words that John uses, but because of a phrase Jesus uses. As Jesus explains to the Pharisees who he is, among a bit of context, he simply says, “I AM.” Jesus could have inserted any number of grandiose words to follow, but he doesn’t. That was all that was needed.
To me, there is comfort in the simplicity of, “I AM.” Maybe because the lack of words ironically means that Jesus is “everything”, “all there is”, and “the whole.” Maybe the greatest things do not come from grandiosity. Less really is more.
Tom Lenz
I am a native of Carroll, Iowa, and originally came to Creighton as an undergraduate student in 1988. My wife Nancy and I have four children, two of whom graduated from Creighton. I started my first faculty position at Creighton in 1999, and I am currently a professor in the Department of Family and Community Medicine in the School of Medicine. I direct a Master of Science program in Integrative Health and Wellness and teach compassion science courses to medical and dental students.
It is truly a blessing to be part of the Daily Reflections writing team. Each time I have the opportunity to write a reflection, I am reminded of how rich the readings are with wisdom, love, and kindness. And being able to connect in some way with all those who read the reflections is a joy beyond words.
