Daily Reflection for Friday, March 26, 2021
Peace and Blessings, Friends and Parishioners!
We encourage you to reflect on Friday’s readings at this link:
http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/032621.cfm
If you prefer to use your own Bible, the readings are:
First Reading: Jeremiah 20:10-13
Responsorial: Psalm 18:2-3a, 3bc-4, 5-6, 7
Gospel: John 10:31-42
Our reflection on Friday’s readings:
“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." John 10:38-39
I find myself actually feeling a bit sorry for the Pharisees today. I can relate to their feelings of frustration and confusion. I also relate to their desire to remain in control of their world.
It seems easy and natural for us humans to dislike or at least be wary of others who are not like us. When observing the actions of someone who is a stranger to me, even though they may be good deeds I am observing, I find myself wary of the motive of the doer. That is somewhat where the Pharisees find themselves today. They know that Jesus, ever since he showed up, has been gathering all the attention and pulling people away from their presence. They may have thought they knew who Jesus was; he was after all the son of Joseph, the carpenter. The Pharisees, however, did not assign any authority concerning religious matters to him based on his place in their society. They felt justified in their questioning of both him and his actions.
Jesus is basically saying “Let my actions speak for themselves.” Even when my heart is hardened to accepting someone new, I hear His challenge today to grow beyond my human pettiness or uncertainty. He is calling me to look for the God in each person I meet. If my “eyes” are giving me trouble, then I should focus on the deeds and accomplishments of those around me in my life. Perhaps the blinders I might put on based on preconceived notions about race, sex, creed, or age, can be set aside when I choose to see the good another has done without any bias.
Lent is a great season to allow myself to be more aware of the good works being done by those around me. Perhaps it is even a good time for me to find a way to acknowledge some of those deeds and show gratitude for those engaged in the activity. I can stop looking for any reason besides the presence of God in each human being. That is enough.
How might you be called to acknowledge the works of the Father in others?
In Heartfelt Joy,
Lynne Brennan