Thursday of the Fourth Week of Lent
John 5, 31-47
Faith is not part-time
As Holy Week draws near, the Church calls us to refresh our hearts and recommit to the promises made on Ash Wednesday. In today’s Gospel, Jesus addresses those who remain sceptical of Him despite the abundant evidence. He provides four witnesses: John the Baptist, His own works and miracles, God the Father, and the Scriptures. Nonetheless, many continue to refuse belief.
Decades after the resurrection, early Christians were facing persecution. John writes to encourage them—and us—to continue believing in Jesus, even when faith is challenged.
Jesus points out the real reason many people reject Him: fear and pride. The Jewish leaders of His time were afraid of losing power and status. Accepting Jesus meant letting go of their own glory to seek the glory that comes from God alone. The same struggle continues today. Many people close themselves to Christ for fear of the change that the Gospel would demand. We are so familiar with the commands of the Lord to love even our enemies or sell all that we have and to give to the poor. However, we fail to accept that teaching for the fear of change it would demand!
This Lent, we are called to re-read the Scriptures in light of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection. The Lord is present in our suffering, in the rejected, and in those who work for peace and justice. How can we profess our faith in the Lord, not just when it’s convenient, but every day?
Faith is not part-time. It’s a way of life. Let us not be afraid to open our hearts and testify to the truth of Christ’s love. Lord, deepen our faith and help us to live as faithful witnesses of your love. Amen.
© Claretian Publications, Hong Kong, China
Cum Approbatione Ecclesiastica 2025
您必须登录才能发表评论。