Gospel: John 8:31-42
Jesus said to those Jews who believed in him,
“If you remain in my word, you will truly be my disciples,
and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
They answered him, “We are descendants of Abraham
and have never been enslaved to anyone.
How can you say, ‘You will become free’?”
Jesus answered them, “Amen, amen, I say to you,
everyone who commits sin is a slave of sin.
A slave does not remain in a household forever,
but a son always remains.
So if the Son frees you, then you will truly be free.
I know that you are descendants of Abraham.
But you are trying to kill me,
because my word has no room among you.
I tell you what I have seen in the Father’s presence;
then do what you have heard from the Father.”
They answered and said to him, “Our father is Abraham.”
Jesus said to them, “If you were Abraham’s children,
you would be doing the works of Abraham.
But now you are trying to kill me,
a man who has told you the truth that I heard from God;
Abraham did not do this.
You are doing the works of your father!”
So they said to him, “We were not born of fornication.
We have one Father, God.”
Jesus said to them, “If God were your Father, you would love me,
for I came from God and am here;
I did not come on my own, but he sent me.”
The Gospel of the Lord.
The Mass intention is for Ratcliffe Family Intentions (OL)
Reflection:
There was a rich woman who attends Mass every day. On Sundays, she wears white in honour of the Trinity. On Mondays, it is red (for the Holy Spirit). Tuesdays, it is brown (for St Anthony). Wednesdays, it is green (for St Joseph). Thursdays, it is black (for St Rita). Fridays, it is red (for the Sacred Heart of Jesus). Saturdays, it is blue (for Our Lady). The colour of her car changes too, matching whatever is the colour of her attire. At home, however, she does not treat other members of her household kindly.
Today’s Gospel tells us that following Jesus requires turning away from sin and remaining in His word. The Pharisees and Scribes have rejected Jesus, God Himself, and therefore have sinned. As for those who believed, Jesus tells them that the truth will set them free. However, they did not fully understand what the Lord was telling them. They boasted that Abraham was their father and have never been slaves. Later, they claimed God as their Father. Jesus challenged them on both claims: “If you were Abraham’s children, you would be doing the works of Abraham. But now you are trying to kill me, a man who has told you the truth that I heard from God…. If God were your Father, you would love me, for I came from God and am here; I did not come on my own, but he sent me.” The rich woman’s belief is as shallow as that of the Jews in today’s Gospel. Both failed to mean what they say and say what they mean.
- How can you become an authentic follower of Jesus?
- How does your belief in Jesus translate into works of mercy?
- How does the truth set you free?
Lord Jesus, thank You for Your Word today. Set us free from sin and hypocrisy so that we may always believe and remain in You. Amen.
Suggested Lenten penance: Share knowledge of the faith with someone willing to learn.
(Pietro)
