REFLECTIONS TODAY
Jesus points another way by which those who have difficulty believing in him might accept him: his works or deeds. If they found him too familiar, too ordinary, not in accord with what is written about the awaited Messiah, then his works and deeds might convince them about his real identity. The evangelist has narrated so many “signs” that Jesus did in the presence of his disciples and many people — signs or deeds that show his extraordinary power. But still many refused to believe in him. Often, when we close all doors to someone we do not like, it is impossible to go beyond and know the real person the other is. But sometimes we catch ourselves in the wrong when we realize or discover, by some divine means, the real identity of the person. How do you judge people who are new to you? Do you even try to know them before passing judgment? Listening to them first will make us non-judgmental and more merciful like Jesus.
FIRST READING • Jeremiah 20:10-13
I hear the whisperings of many: “Terror on every side! Denounce! let us denounce him!” All those who were my friends are on the watch for any misstep of mine. “Perhaps he will be trapped; then we can prevail, and take our vengeance on him.” But the Lord is with me, like a mighty champion: my persecutors will stumble, they will not triumph. In their failure they will be put to utter shame, to lasting, unforgettable confusion. O Lord of hosts, you who test the just, who probe mind and heart, let me witness the vengeance you take on them, for to you I have entrusted my cause. Sing to the Lord, praise the Lord, for he has rescued the life of the poor from the power of the wicked!
Gospel • John 10:31-42
The Jews picked up rocks to stone Jesus. many good works from my Father. For which of these are you trying to stone me?” The Jews answered him, “We are not stoning you for a good work but for blasphemy. You, a man, are making yourself God.” Jesus answered them, “Is it not written in your law, ‘I said, “You are gods”’? If it calls them gods to whom the word of God came, and Scripture cannot be set aside, can you say that the one whom the Father has consecrated and sent into the world blasphemes because I said, ‘I am the Son of God’? If I do not perform my Father’s works, do not believe me; but if I perform them, even if you do not believe me, believe the works, so that you may realize and understand that the Father is in me and I am in the Father.” Then they tried again to arrest him; but he escaped from their power. He went back across the Jordan to the place where John first baptized, and there he remained. Many came to him and said, “John performed no sign, but everything John said about this man was true.” And many there began to believe in him.
SOURCE: “365 Days with the Lord 2022,” ST. PAULS, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 632-895-9701; Fax 632-895-7328; E-mail: [email protected]; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.