Reading One: Ex 32:7-14;
Responsorial Psalm: Ps 106:19-20, 21-22, 23 ;
Gospel: Jn 5:31-47;
go to this page (for all three sections listed above on one page) And here's an audio file; & reflections (video)
It all depends on how you read, or how your heart listens to the words in today's Gospel. It is easy to read the words in a way that comes off as harsh words, words condemning the listener, perhaps a little angry or really angry. Or maybe just upset, like a parent who is upset with a stubborn child and scolding it before sending the insolent child to their room. But maybe the words are offered in a different tone. I do not know, but I imagine Jesus saying these words - reaching out in a soft tone, trying to merely inform people He loves them dearly, what the truth is. He really is the Son of God. He is only trying to help you understand so that you might believe something that is true. Follow the dots - John the Baptist testified Jesus as the Christ. God himself testified, but you did not listen. And so does Moses, yes even the words in the old testament point to Jesus.
Jesus does not have to glorify himself. He is going to take all the miracles He performed, and the people He healed, and all His perfect words, and because we are so stubborn, and His love is so great - He will show us one more time, once and for all, and for all time, show us how much God loves each and every one of us. And if you blessed to see that, you are called to see everyone that way as well.
When we do this - we will finally be following Jesus' simple command - all the law we need to understand, and follow:
is to love God with all your heart, all your mind, all your soul and all your strength.If we do that, we also will love our neighbor in a new way. Love them as God loves each and every one of us struggling creatures. Perfectly, without fear, pouring out like a fountain.
The blessings that come from following the law are untold treasures, beyond what words might convey. Imagine for just a moment - the love that dwells within God, endless, infinite, boundless love pouring out of your heart in galactic proportions. Love that can only come from God it is so good. Even in the darkest hours of the human condition - sickness, broken hearts, shattered dreams, and wounded souls - there's no room for despair to even get a foothold. That love burns it up and everything dark, is made light.
