THE TESTIMONIES THAT ARE PLEASING TO CHRIST - 03/23/23 (Thursday of the Fourth Week of Lent)

John 5:31–35

If I bear witness to myself, my testimony is not true; there is another who bears witness to me, and I know that the testimony which he bears to me is true. You sent to John, and he has borne witness to the truth.  Not that the testimony which I receive is from man; but I say this that you may be saved. He was a burning and shining lamp, and you were willing to rejoice for a while in his light.”

For the full readings, click here: 

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/032323.cfm

Blessed Thursday! The Jews and the Pharisees did not believe in the claims and teachings of Jesus Christ. For them, they did not have reasons to follow Him, or at least they always rejected the voice of God within their hearts. This is why our Lord Jesus explains that He's not alone in bearing witness to Him. Having testimonies is important because it gives us reason to accept the truth, especially about Jesus. Our Lord spoke of the testimonies that come from two sources, one is from God and the other one is from people. The Father bore witness to our Lord Jesus through the signs and miracles. Miracles are supernatural events that only God can do because He has control over nature. God performs miracles as signs of the truth that is proclaimed. The miracles of Jesus gave testimony to Him that He's our Lord and our Savior. We should also remember that Jesus also gives testimony that the fullness of His truth is seen in the Catholic Church through the miracles in the Church. There have been numerous miracles throughout the 2,000 year history of the Catholic Church, even in modern times, and some of these miracles that are verified by science are seen in the link below this reflection. 

The second source of testimony for Christ comes from people. As mentioned in the gospel reading for today, St. John the Baptist bore witness to the Truth. It's because St. John the Baptist pointed the people to Christ, and not to himself, and St. John remained faithful to the will of God. In the same way, we can bear witness to Christ if we follow God's commandments, and if we seek to deepen our relationship with Him. It is also pleasing to Christ that we speak about God to other people and to lead them to the love of God. By being reverent in our prayers and in our participation in the Mass, we can also be good examples for others. And yet, there are times that Jesus does not accept our praise. When does this happen? It happens when people are in the state of mortal sin without the intention of repenting of their sins. Even though they have exterior works such as prayers and good works, what matters to God is the state of our soul and our interior devotion to Him. The praises of people towards Christ, if they are in the state of mortal sin, wound the Sacred Heart of Christ, not because it's wrong to praise Jesus, but because God wants our salvation. May we remember the love of God for us that despite being unworthy of entering heaven due to our sins, Jesus offered Himself on the Cross for us to have eternal life. May we seek His mercy in the sacrament of confession, and let's persevere in being faithful to His teachings in the Church. Let's remember the signs from God and His goodness which point us to the merciful love of Christ.

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

Catholic Miracles:

https://www.catholic.com/magazine/online-edition/miracles-and-evangelism

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