Psalm 105:19-23 (R. 4a)
Gospel John 5:31-47
By: Edmund Elorm Ackuaku
Mercy and Authority
God's plan to redeem the Israelites and settle them on a land flowing with milk and honey (cf. Ex. 3:17) portrays his love for them and establishes his relationship with Israel as spousal wherefore the unfaithfulness of Israel is pictured as adulterous (cf. Ez. 16:32). Acts of 'adultery' are sins against the Love of God for his people, Israel.
The first reading narrates yet another adulterous act of the Israelites in which in the absence of Moses, their leader, they thought of molding a god so that they can attribute their escape from Egypt to that golden calf. The people living in the Middle East were basically farmers and were rearing cattle. Molding a Cattle will mean the quest for abundance and fertility in the land they will enter.
In spite of this disobedience towards God he still had mercy on them upon the plea of Moses. Moses is seen as a priest and prophet where he offers prayers on behalf of their people especially prayers seeking forgiveness.
God's love for us surpasses all things. His faithfulness and mercy endures forever. These are Israelites in the desert just like Christians who are on a journey in a desert. This is Lent. Lent offers us the opportunity to recount the many occasions on which we molded many gods for ourselves and seek God's forgiveness. Just like how he relented in punishing the Israelites for turning away from him so will he have mercy on us and draw us back to himself.
The Gospel tells us of man's refusal to accept Jesus' authority and even accepting him as the Son of God. The issue of testifying is of much importance to the Jews. The testimony of one person is not enough to conclude on key issues especially crime. Two or three testimonies were required and these are sufficient (cf. Nm. 35:30; Dt. 19:15). The New Testament, especially in John and Revelation, produce a new form of witnessing which signify an attestation of another's unbelief.
The highest commitment of a person to truth is the commitment of his or her life. In the Gospel, Jesus spelt out certain key events and moment which were confirming his authority. He started from himself (v. 31) as a weak evidence since one cannot testify to himself. He mentioned John the Baptist (v. 36) Jesus' own signs, the Hebrew scriptures (v. 39), among others. They are enough for us to believe in Christ. We should not be found with the opposers who attribute Jesus' signs as from the devil himself (cf. Lk. 11:15 ).
No one can work real miracles unless God gives extra charism of miracle working. We are called to give testimony to our Father in Heaven through our sincere life and faith. We need to live humble and simple lives trusting in the providence of God in our daily lives. We are called to adore an invisible God about whom we read in the Holy Scripture.
May the Lord help us to identify his authority in our daily lives and be obedient to his will
Amen
40DaysInTheDesert
PaxEtBonum
Amen
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