Daily Gospel Reflection for March 15, 2018

Today's Gospel: John 5:31-47 "You search the Scriptures, because you think you have eternal life through them; even they testify on my behalf. But you do not want to come to me to have life." -John 5:39 In today's Gospel, Jesus speaks words of questioning to his listeners in a convincing way about who He is to them but also to us. He challenges His listeners and gives them words to really think about. He tells them in this Gospel passage that He "does not accept human testimony". His main concern is that they be saved. I find his words in this Gospel reading to be challenging, but also a teaching testimony to the non-believers of His time. He tells His listeners that He does not accept "human praise." God is his one and only guide and source of life. He does His best to give this message to the people standing before him. This message is also for us right at this moment. The passage above has always challenged me. When I came to a place of conversion with the Lord many years ago, I found Scripture to be a place of closeness with God. Scripture continues to be a place of refreshment for me. Praying over the words of our Lord has helped and guided my life through the Holy Spirit. The challenge is when I put the Bible down and then go and live life with Him. I must remember to keep His Presence with me even when I am not in front of Scripture or at Mass. Luckily, we have the awesome gifts of the Sacraments of our Church to keep Christ present to us at all times. Holy Scripture is a great guide for us as we go about our daily lives. But we must remember to keep His words and His Spirit close to us when we are not in reflection. My mind tells me Jesus is saying to us in His Word, "Don't just read my words or memorize them, stay close to ME. Love ME. Love me by loving all of the people I have created and have placed in your path. Follow my ways." He is asking us to keep Him close to our hearts even when we are not pondering His Word or at Mass. Also, this Gospel reminds us of the great pains Jesus went through just to get people to hear His words with their hearts. He continues to speak to us in these words today. He is hoping we will hear Him with all of our hearts each day of life.

Ponder:

How is Jesus speaking to Your heart after you have read His Word or have attended Mass? Are you able to love not just His words but also His actions?

Pray:

Lord Jesus, thank You for the profound gift of Holy Scripture and of Yourself. Please help us to love You even more each day. Help us to recognize You in each moment of our days. We ask this in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.