Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint John 10,31-42
The Jews picked up rocks to stone Jesus.
Jesus answered them, “I have shown you many good works from my Father. For which of these are you trying to stone me?”
The Jews answered him, “We are not stoning you for a good work but for blasphemy. You, a man, are making yourself God.”
Jesus answered them, “Is it not written in your law, ‘I said, “You are gods”‘?
If it calls them gods to whom the word of God came, and scripture cannot be set aside,
can you say that the one whom the Father has consecrated and sent into the world blasphemes because I said, ‘I am the Son of God’?
If I do not perform my Father’s works, do not believe me;
but if I perform them, even if you do not believe me, believe the works, so that you may realize (and understand) that the Father is in me and I am in the Father.”
(Then) they tried again to arrest him; but he escaped from their power.
He went back across the Jordan to the place where John first baptized, and there he remained.
Many came to him and said, “John performed no sign, but everything John said about this man was true.”
And many there began to believe in him.
Seeking and living in the truth
1) Stoning: These days affect us; it affects those of you who are in solitude, and you who’s head is spinning with this quarantine. But there are some who are doing the quarantine with others. It can be difficult to spend so much time together. Surely you must be suffering from this living together. Here are two recommendations: try to find some time to be alone, and try to make timetables. Plan to do something each day. If not, you will end up “stoning” someone or “getting stoned”… because frustration can lead to hurtful things.
2) Projects: Planning projects presents us with the possibility of living for something. The problem is that we think it is only for young people, but no… it is for everyone; especially in these times when we have been put on hold. We can always dream and create projects. Jesus is clear about this and that’s why He sees the resurrection, and not just the cross. Do you have a project? Which one? I would ask you today, in front of Jesus, to think of a concrete proposal for a project. Because, in this quarantine you have to come out with a project because your life does not end with this quarantine. It is another process in your life. Just as Jesus’ life did not end fighting against the Pharisees… remember that you have a lot to give.
3) Believe the works: Something that marks your day, is your conduct. Learn, in these days, to set limits; to know that you must sacrifice certain things while living together. Your habitual behaviour is part of your personality and we are sure that, with time, we will all change.
Today, you are adding an experience to your life. Take these moments that we are living as a lesson. Remember that YOU are what makes life different. God has put you in this life so that you can give the best of yourself and get the best out of yourself. Find your best self so that you can be fulfilled. You have a lot to give and a lot to do. Have courage! You have to keep going!
God bless you in the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Remember, heaven is our goal !
