BELIEVING IN JESUS BECAUSE HE'S GOD - 03/28/23 (Tuesday of the Fifth Week of Lent)

John 8:28

So Jesus said to them, "When you lift up the Son of Man, then you will realize that I AM, and that I do nothing on my own, but I say only what the Father taught me. 

For the full readings, click here: 

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/032823.cfm

Blessed Tuesday! Our Lord Jesus spoke to the Pharisees of many things. Christ told them that they wouldn't be able to follow where He would go and that if they did not believe in Him and they would die in their sins. After speaking many things to the crowd, many came to believe in our Lord. What's with Jesus that made them believe? It's the divinity of Christ. When Jesus Christ spoke to the people the words, "I AM", He's reminding the people of the name that God revealed to Moses in Exodus 3:14. The people probably did not understand everything about the divinity of Christ because of its mystery, but they were attentive to recognize that He had Divine authority. And, it's not just about Jesus being God, but it's also about His Divine love for them and for the Pharisees. Like the Pharisees, some of us can also live a worldly lifestyle by being influenced by the world around us. It is Christ's teaching that everyone of us has dignity to life because we are all created in His image. Even the fetus in the womb of a mother is a child of God. But, when we listen to what the world says or what the Internet says which promotes liberal ideologies that are contrary to God's teachings, some may think that abortion, the act of killing a child, is permissible. Our Lord has given us a mind so that we can glorify Him, be obedient to Him, and recognize His presence. However, when we allow ourselves to be influenced by other people such as in being drunk, it's also contrary to the will of God because we are placing ourselves in a state where it's easier to commit a sin and when we shut off our minds from the presence of God. 

Jesus really wants us to be happy. However, we will only find true happiness in God and not in worldly temptations. The people believed in Jesus because they saw His divine love for them. Even though the Pharisees were endangering their salvation, our Lord Jesus was always giving them opportunities to repent. He also said, "When you lift up the Son of Man, then you will realize that I AM." Our Savior is speaking about His sacrifice on the Cross. God the Son was made flesh. He entered the world of humanity and embraced the Cross just for us to have eternal life and everlasting happiness in heaven. All we need to do is to believe in Him and obey Him. What are the times when we no longer obey Christ and when we allow ourselves to be swayed by the world? Let's reflect on this with God, and let's also stay away from social media and from other sources that may tempt us to be enslaved by sin. May we also receive the infinite mercy of God in the sacrament of confession if we realize our sins that endanger our salvation. Below this reflection, there is a link to an examination of conscience which may help us in preparation for confession. Let's persevere in our prayers and trust in God who will help us to pass from the old life of sin to a new life of grace in preparation for the glory that is awaiting us in the Kingdom of Heaven. 

Amen +

Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, be with us always until the hour of our death. Amen. +

May the Lord + bless us, protect us from all evil and bring us to everlasting life. Amen. +  

Reflection by: Dominic

Fasting and Abstinence during Lent:

https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/resource/56337/fasting-and-abstinence-during-lent

Examination of Conscience and Guide to Sacrament of Confession:

https://mycatholic.life/catholic-prayers/examination-of-conscience/

Ultimate Catholic Parents Guide:

https://youtube.com/watch?v=Ls6IcexZAls

Summary and Defense of Catholic Teachings:

https://www.catholic.com/tract/pillar-of-fire-pillar-of-truth