Daily Reflection for Wednesday March 24, 2021
Peace and Blessings, Friends and Parishioners,
We encourage you to reflect on Wednesday’s readings at this link:
http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/032421.cfm
If you prefer to use your own Bible, the readings are:
First Reading: Daniel 3:14-20, 91-92, 95
Responsorial: Daniel 3:52, 53, 54, 55, 56
Gospel: John 8:31-42
Our reflection on Wednesday’s readings:
“I know that you are descendants of Abraham. But you are trying to kill me, because my word has no room among you.” John 8:37
The Gospel message today applies throughout the ages. When Jesus says, I know that you are descendants of Abraham, he names the Jewish connection he and the people share. Today, we also identify with our “groups” – religious denomination, family, nationality, political party, and ethnic background to name a few.
The following line spoken by Jesus is, You are trying to kill me, because my word has no room among you. His words have no room among them because they are already full of the beliefs and norms of the group to which they belong. Jesus made it personal. The group belief is not enough. We cannot hide behind our group. Each of us, personally within our hearts, must “hear” Jesus words. We must take personal responsibility as an individual follower of Christ.
Jesus told the Jews. and he tells us, that practicing the faith of our fathers is not enough. It is of such importance for us to hear those words that God sent his son, Jesus, to earth to deliver God’s message.
We look to the Bible as a source for God’s direction. However, all the words in the Bible are not equal.
Anyone can pull ordinary words out of the Bible to justify anything – war, slavery, judgement, prosperity, multiple wives, political power. There are many talented Christian speakers who can select words and inspire listeners to follow them. It is exciting and comforting to hear an evangelist’s feel-good message. When we choose certain speakers, we can stay safely protected in our cocoon rarely venturing beyond our established views. However, following Jesus’ words is often difficult.
The most important words in the Bible are those spoken by Jesus. When seeking answers in our lives, we must search for the words of Jesus.
Jesus challenges us to step out of our comfort zone and follow him. In the verse after today’s Gospel, Jesus says Why do you not hear what I am saying? Because you cannot bear to hear my word.
We cannot bear to hear Jesus words because they shake our foundation, challenge our views of ourselves and the world. It is not easy to follow Jesus.
May we each persevere to listen and hear the words of Jesus.
Blessings to you,
Ruth Mytty