Sacred Scripture
Jesus cried out and said, “Whoever believes in me believes not only in me but also in the one who sent me, and whoever sees me sees the one who sent me. I came into the world as light, so that everyone who believes in me might not remain in darkness. And if anyone hears my words and does not observe them, I do not condemn him, for I did not come to condemn the world but to save the world. Whoever rejects me and does not accept my words has something to judge him: the word that I spoke, it will condemn him on the last day, because I did not speak on my own, but the Father who sent me commanded me what to say and speak. And I know that his commandment is eternal life. So, what I say, I say as the Father told me.” (John 12:44-50)
Reflection
Much has been written about the last proclamation of Jesus in the Gospel of John. Theologians have taken each word and built book chapters on them.
To me, this scripture is about relationships. Note that I used the plural “relationships” but let me come back to that.
Let’s begin with our understanding of God’s relationship with us. God created and gave life to the world. But that was not enough for God. God wanted us to have more than just mortal life. Rather God wanted us to have eternal life – a share in the divine life that last forever.
Throughout the Old Testament, we read how God kept sending prophets to announce the divine plan, but people did not, or refused to, understand.
The next step was for God to became incarnate in Jesus. Jesus came as the One sent by the Father. He came to save the world and to lift us to the higher life. Yet, in His human, earthly body, Jesus did not remain on earth. So, Jesus gave us the Holy Spirit to continue the divine presence, the divine instruction, the divine empowerment. The Holy Spirit has led, and continues to lead, the believers.
So that is the relationships portion. Through our belief in the Trinity, we have a relationship with God in each person of the Trinity.
Jesus offers us real abundant life – now and forever. Real life is a relationship with the living God, a relationship of trust, love, obedience, peace, and joy. This is what Jesus makes possible for us – a loving relationship with God who created us for love with him. Apart from Jesus no one can enter that kind of life and relationship.
And how is that love communicated. It’s no different than the love we have for family members or people who are very close to us. We use the words “I love you” repeatedly. Why? Because it’s that important – to us, to them, and to our relationship.
So too then with prayer and prayerful silence. The more we pray, the easier it becomes. The easier it becomes, the more meaningful it gets. Sitting in silence and allowing your mind and heart to be united with God’s love is one of the most beautiful earthly encounters we can have with God. It is peace, it is promise, it is pure love with God, Our Father. With God, His Son and with God, the Holy Spirit.
Prayer of The Day
“Lord Jesus Christ, your death brought life and hope where there was once only despair and defeat. Give me the unshakable hope of everlasting life, the inexpressible joy of knowing your unfailing love, and the unwavering faith and obedience in doing the will of our Father in heaven”.
Daily Note
Jesus makes God known in a way never known before. He is the unique revelation of the Father as Father since he is Son. His reason for coming into the world was not to hide but to reveal and hence, he came as light. All are invited to come to this light so as not to stay in darkness any longer.
