TODAY’S GOSPEL REFLECTIONS: “Following Christ”

April 20, 2023. Thursday of the Second Week of Easter.

Gospel

Jn 3:31-36

The one who comes from above is above all.

The one who is of the earth is earthly and speaks of earthly things.

But the one who comes from heaven is above all.

He testifies to what he has seen and heard,

but no one accepts his testimony.

Whoever does accept his testimony certifies that God is trustworthy.

For the one whom God sent speaks the words of God.

He does not ration his gift of the Spirit.

The Father loves the Son and has given everything over to him.

Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life,

but whoever disobeys the Son will not see life,

but the wrath of God remains upon him.

Reflection: 

A blessed Thursday to all! Jesus is the One who came from Heaven and has spoken of the Truth that is written in the Gospels today. However, not everyone accepted Jesus even though He is God and the Lord of all. Listening to the Word is easy but doing it is another matter. The Gospels, Jesus’ true teachings, speak of the Cross and giving of oneself and possessions for others. Then, we shall have eternal life as children of God. Children inherit what is of their fathers, the same is true for those who are children of God. To become true children of God is to follow Him not in words but in deeds. It is easier to delight in hearing these words that we are God’s children, that we will go to heaven and inherit His kingdom. But what we miss is the work that comes with it. 

We need to do something. We need to obey. We need to obey to be true children of God. It was never a walk in the park. Jesus Himself suffered and died on the Cross. So too we must carry our own Crosses and follow Him. We must renounce the world and all its pleasures. We must reject the devil and all its temptations – that is in our baptismal vows. Yet, most of us constantly expose ourselves to temptations and say excuses such as “I’m only human”. That is not what God wants for us. He gave us all the authority and power to triumph over evil and temptation. We just need to do what is necessary. 

To become true children of God, we must be like him, our Father, not like the devil who is full of lies, greed, lust for power, material things, flesh, and other things. To be like our Father in heaven means giving much, forgiving much, and loving much especially to those who could not give anything back. This is what Jesus did for us. We could never return His love equally nor compete with Him. But what we can offer Him with our whole hearts sincerely is enough for Him. That is all. 

But oftentimes, we count first what we will lose in following Christ not what we could gain. If we would truly realize how short this life is and how important it is to prepare for our permanent home in heaven, we would certainly give up all we could now to follow God, to serve Him, His Church, and the poor. May God fully and truly open our hearts and minds, and may we continuously reflect on this. Amen. +

God bless us and give us peace of the Risen Christ. Amen. +

Reflections by: F.M.M.J.

Go to USCCB website for the full readings.