Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to John 7, 40- 53

Some in the crowd who heard these words of Jesus said,
“This is truly the Prophet.”
Others said, “This is the Christ.”
But others said, “The Christ will not come from Galilee, will he?
Does not Scripture say that the Christ will be of David’s family
and come from Bethlehem, the village where David lived?”
So a division occurred in the crowd because of him.
Some of them even wanted to arrest him,
but no one laid hands on him.

So the guards went to the chief priests and Pharisees,
who asked them, “Why did you not bring him?”
The guards answered, “Never before has anyone spoken like this man.”
So the Pharisees answered them, “Have you also been deceived?
Have any of the authorities or the Pharisees believed in him?
But this crowd, which does not know the law, is accursed.”
Nicodemus, one of their members who had come to him earlier, said to them, 
“Does our law condemn a man before it first hears him
and finds out what he is doing?”
They answered and said to him,
“You are not from Galilee also, are you?
Look and see that no prophet arises from Galilee.”

Then each went to his own house.

Prophet

1. Where does he come from? People often make judgments about us based on where we’re from—our family background or even things we’ve done in the past. You’ve probably heard phrases like, “That’s so-and-so’s child,” or “That’s the person who used to go out drinking.” Yet God reveals today that He chooses people for their hearts, not their history or reputation. That’s why God is inviting you to focus on your inner life. People will always have opinions and try to label you, but you shouldn’t let that affect you. What you need to remember is your purpose—why you’re here, who you’re serving, and what brings you genuine happiness. 

2. Where was he born? Naturally, people start to dig and speculate about where Jesus’ power comes from or why He does what He does. Likewise, others will always analyze our “why” and “how.” Our actions ultimately define us. Therefore, you should never lose sight of where you came from and where you’re headed. Most importantly, you aren’t defined by what you say about your life, but by what you actually do with it. Focus on the reason behind your actions. Today, reflect on what you’re doing for yourself and the mark you’re leaving. 

3. Life itself. Jesus calls us to prepare our hearts as Lent approaches its end. We place our trust in the Sacred Heart of Jesus, who encourages us to remain surrendered at His feet. Everything we do should be for the greater glory of God. We’re called to praise God, not people. Our mission is to work together so that God may reign within our hearts. 

Remember that something good is on the way! 

God bless you and guard you in the name of the Father, of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.