Gospel Reflection For The 14th day of March in the year of Our Lord, 2024
Gospel
John 5:31-47
31 If I bear witness of myself, my witness is not true. 32 There is another that beareth witness of me; and I know that the witness which he witnesseth of me is true. 33 You sent to John, and he gave testimony to the truth. 34 But I receive not testimony from man: but I say these things, that you may be saved. 35 He was a burning and a shining light: and you were willing for a time to rejoice in his light.
36 But I have a greater testimony than that of John: for the works which the Father hath given me to perfect; the works themselves, which I do, give testimony of me, that the Father hath sent me. 37 And the Father himself who hath sent me, hath given testimony of me: neither have you heard his voice at any time, nor seen his shape. 38 And you have not his word abiding in you: for whom he hath sent, him you believe not. 39 Search the scriptures, for you think in them to have life everlasting; and the same are they that give testimony of me. 40 And you will not come to me that you may have life.
41 I receive glory not from men. 42 But I know you, that you have not the love of God in you. 43 I am come in the name of my Father, and you receive me not: if another shall come in his own name, him you will receive. 44 How can you believe, who receive glory one from another: and the glory which is from God alone, you do not seek? 45 Think not that I will accuse you to the Father. There is one that accuseth you, Moses, in whom you trust.
46 For if you did believe Moses, you would perhaps believe me also; for he wrote of me. 47 But if you do not believe his writings, how will you believe my words?
In today’s first reading we are told of how the Hebrew people turned to idol worship while Moses was meeting with God on top of Mount Horeb. God had just led them out of Egypt with miracles, plagues, horrors, parted the waters and defeated their enemy. God had freed them and promised them all they could want. Yet, they abandoned God and turned to evil so quickly that it can be hard for us to understand. In the Hebrew people, though, we find we find a representation of all of humanity.
Our first parents knew God personally and lived in paradise. God gave them one simple command. They quickly tuned to the lies of the devil and disobeyed God. Later, we read about their descendants and how quickly mankind devolves into the worst sin. We read of Noah and Abraham. Then comes Moses. Then we read of the kings of Israel, Saul, David, Solomon, etc… how God rose them to great power but how they always turned to sin, arrogance and disobedience and their nation fell. We read of the prophets who were rejected. Again and again, the people repented and God gave them a second chance, a third chance… a millionth chance, etc. Finally like the heir in the parable of the vineyard, God sends His son saying, “Surely they will listen to Him.” But, they reject Him, abuse Him and kill Him. Here, Jesus reminds them that had they just listened to Moses all that God promised them would be theirs. Now what they have, the exclusive role as God-given, chosen people, and their Promised Land, will be taken away and given to others.
We have been given a tremendous gift through adoption in Christ. We are now the heirs, and not slaves to the Law. Yet, each of us may make the same mistakes as the ancient Jews. They believed their salvation was in being born “children of Abraham.” How many “cradle Catholics” stop attending mass, stop following the teachings of the Church and adopt liberal/progressive/socialist politics that are in absolute opposition to Christian morality? I can think of more than a few “Catholic” politicians who promote abortion, gay marriage, etc. But, how many converts (such as myself) retain the conviction and zeal we experienced after Confirmation? It is far too easy to begin going through the motions and to slide back into the sins of which we repented. How many leave the church established by Jesus for other denominations that have a great deal of emotion but lack the authority to give the sacraments and to teach infallibly on morals and doctrine? We must never forget that our inheritance may be taken from us. Our Lord says, “Many will say, Lord, Lord…. But I will say, truly I do not know you.”
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Gospel passages are taken from the Douay Rheims Bible.