Thursday 18 March

Today is Thursday the 18 March, in the fourth week of Ordinary time.  

Josh Garrels sings, ‘Steadfast’ by Sarah McCracken.  

John 5:31-47

‘If I testify about myself, my testimony is not true. There is another who testifies on my behalf, and I know that his testimony to me is true. You sent messengers to John, and he testified to the truth. Not that I accept such human testimony, but I say these things so that you may be saved. He was a burning and shining lamp, and you were willing to rejoice for a while in his light. But I have a testimony greater than John’s. The works that the Father has given me to complete, the very works that I am doing, testify on my behalf that the Father has sent me. And the Father who sent me has himself testified on my behalf.  You have never heard his voice or seen his form, and you do not have his word abiding in you, because you do not believe him whom he has sent. ‘You search the scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that testify on my behalf. Yet you refuse to come to me to have life. I do not accept glory from human beings. But I know that you do not have the love of God in you. I have come in my Father’s name, and you do not accept me; if another comes in his own name, you will accept him. How can you believe when you accept glory from one another and do not seek the glory that comes from the one who alone is God? Do not think that I will accuse you before the Father; your accuser is Moses, on whom you have set your hope. If you believed Moses, you would believe me, for he wrote about me. But if you do not believe what he wrote, how will you believe what I say?’  

‘If I testify about myself, my testimony is not true ‘. If there is something we have learned a lot about during the past year, it is to question ‘fake news’. We are constantly reminded to check our sources, particularly if they are rooted in social media or aimed at a certain world view. How do you discern what is true in what you see and hear each day? Take a moment to consider the information you have already seen and heard today.    

In this reading from John’s gospel, it is the authorities who claim to be looking for the truth of who Jesus is. The time of Lent still invites us to this journey of discovery. Do I take time to ask the question myself?  Do I return to the sources of my faith, the scriptures, the Liturgy, to reveal the true Jesus? Do I experience the Risen Lord in the world around me?  

As I listen to the reading again, I reflect on my own doubts and misconceptions. Do I open my eyes to the presence of God in the world? Do I allow myself to be guided to a true witness of who Jesus is?  

In a moment of prayer, I ask the Lord for the discernment I need for today...

You have given all to me. To you, Lord, I return it. Everything is yours; do with it what you will. Give me only your love and your grace,
that is enough for me.