REFLECTIONS TODAY

John’s Gospel frequently uses the Greek expression “ego eimi,” which means “I am,” accentuating the identity and mission of Jesus. In today’s Gospel passage, “ego eimi” is used. Jesus says, “I am the light of the world” (v 12). Jesus is the true light who came into the world (1:9) and which darkness did not overcome (1:5). Jesus was sent to bring hope to a world covered by the clouds of hopelessness. Christians are also called to be the light of the world (Mt 5:14). It is then part of our sacred duty, as Jesus’ followers, to become beacons of hope in our present world characterized by despair. Moreover, we bear in mind that Christian hope is always active. We also need to do our part in creating a better world. Jesus says, “We have to do the works of the one who sent me while it is day” (9:4).

In what way do we become God’s instruments of hope in the world today? Are we ourselves hopeful? Do we want to participate in the creation of a better world?

First Reading • Dn 13:1-9, 15-17, 19-30, 33-62 [or 13:41c-62]
 

The assembly condemned Susanna to death. The Lord heard her prayer. As she was being led to execution, God stirred up the holy spirit of a young boy named Daniel, and he cried aloud: “I will have no part in the death of this woman.” All the people turned and asked him, “What is this you are saying?” He stood in their midst and continued, “Are you such fools, O children of Israel! To condemn a woman of Israel without examination and without clear evidence? Return to court, for they have testified falsely against her.”
 

After they were separated one from the other, he called one of them and said: “How you have grown evil with age! Now have your past sins come to term: passing unjust sentences, condemning the innocent, and freeing the guilty, although the Lord says, ‘The innocent and the just you shall not put to death.’ Now, then, if you were a witness, tell me under what tree you saw them together.”

 “Under a mastic tree,” he answered. Daniel replied, “Your fine lie has cost you your head, for the angel of God shall receive the sentence from him and split you in two.” Putting him to one side, he ordered the other one to be brought. Daniel said to him, “Offspring of Canaan, not of Judah, beauty has seduced you, lust has subverted your conscience. This is how you acted with the daughters of Israel, and in their fear they yielded to you; but a daughter of Judah did not tolerate your wickedness. Now, then, tell me under what tree you surprised them together.” “Under an oak,” he said. Daniel replied, “Your fine lie has cost you also your head, for the angel of God waits with a sword to cut you in two so as to make an end of you both.”

The whole assembly cried aloud, blessing God who saves those who hope in him. … Thus was innocent blood spared that day.

Responsorial Psalm • Ps 23 

“Even though I walk in the dark valley I fear no evil; for you are at my side.”

Gospel • Jn 8:12-20
 

Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” So the Pharisees said to him, “You testify on your own behalf, so your testimony cannot be verified.” Jesus answered and said to them, “Even if I do testify on my own behalf, my testimony can be verified, because I know where I came from and where I am going. But you do not know where I come from or where I am going. You judge by appearances, but I do not judge anyone.

 And even if I should judge, my judgment is valid, because I am not alone, but it is I and the Father who sent me. Even in your law it is written that the testimony of two men can be verified. I testify on my behalf and so does the Father who sent me.” So they said to him, “Where is your father?” Jesus answered, “You know neither me nor my Father. If you knew me, you would know my Father also.” He spoke these words while teaching in the treasury in the temple area. But no one arrested him, because his hour had not yet come.

Source: “365 Days with the Lord 2025,” St. Paul’s, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 632-895-9701; E-mail: [email protected]; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.