From the holy Gospel according to
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| JESUS AND THE PHARISEES. Image from paulines.ph |
Jesus said,
"If I testify on my own behalf, my testimony cannot be verified." [31]
...
"I do not accept human praise; moreover, I know that you do not have the love of God in you. I came in the name of my Father, but you do not accept me; yet if another comes in his own name, you will accept him. How can you believe, when you accept praise from one another and do not seek the praise that comes from the only God? Do not think that I will accuse you before the Father: the one who will accuse you is Moses in whom you have placed your hope. For if you had believed Moses, you would have believed me, because he wrote about me. But if you do not believe his writings, how will you believe my words?" [41 - 47]
The Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ
Personal Reflection on the Reading
Sharing for the Day
The Lord Jesus did not and does not need the acclamation of the world. The Father's love is more than enough. At Jesus' baptism, the Father claimed Jesus to be His Son in whom He is well pleased [see Matthew 3:17]. During the Transfiguration, He recognized Jesus again saying that we - represented by Peter, James and John who were the only ones present - should listen to Jesus [see Luke 9:35]. After the triumphal entry into Jerusalem the Father acknowledged Jesus once more with a thunderous response when Jesus asked Him to glorify His name [see John 12:28].
In all that Jesus did and spoke, He always referred to the Father, He never claimed any honor for Himself; did not even directly claimed to be "God". He was the Father's obedient Son and faithful Servant of Yahweh. Whenever He made a sign or conducted a miracle He would first praise God and thank Him for His blessings. He clearly knew His role and never usurped the place of the Father in the hearts of His hearers. His total obedience to the Father's will surely made the Father declare with great joy, "This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased!"
As His friends we also must have the same attitude: to wait for the Father's acknowledgment rather than wait for human praise. We must never do anything for the purpose of gaining the praise and acclamation of people. Our sole aim is to do the will of God so that people may glorify Him. Then we shall have our reward in heaven where everything matters not here on earth. There we shall surely hear the Father tell us, "You are a beloved child with whom I am well pleased!" while the Lord Jesus Christ beams with joy.
As we continue with our Lenten journey, let us look forward with joy to the coming Easter Season and rejoice with our brethren scattered all over the world.
Application of the Message
[1] Prayer
Pray for the grace to fulfill the Father's will without expecting for human recognition.
[2] Abstinence
Abstain from something which makes you aspire for human praise.
[3] Almsgiving
What can you share today which will help you inspire someone else to humbly fulfill the Father's will and expect for no human acknowledgement?
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