The Gospel according to John 12:44-50
Jesus cried out and said, “Whoever believes in me believes not only in me but also in the one who sent me, and whoever sees me sees the one who sent me. I came into the world as light, so that everyone who believes in me might not remain in darkness. And if anyone hears my words and does not observe them, I do not condemn him, for I did not come to condemn the world but to save the world. Whoever rejects me and does not accept my words has something to judge him: the word that I spoke, it will condemn him on the last day, because I did not speak on my own, but the Father who sent me commanded me what to say and speak. And I know that his commandment is eternal life. So what I say, I say as the Father told me.”
Reflection: Have you ever ‘cried out’ about anything in your life? It’s not the same as weeping or as actually crying due to having felt extreme pain or even a feeling of a great loss in one’s life. Or how about this; to speak so as to be heard at a distance or she cried out for help.
When we sin, we cry out for mercy. We are asking for God’s mercy at a time when we need it the most, “Forgive me Father for I have sinned.” Pope Francis calls Jesus the face of God’s mercy. We need to be merciful because we have already been shown mercy and loved because we’ve already been loved.
The world cries out for justice and equality! Can we cry out for peace?
Jesus is crying out in today’s Gospel to be heard. He wants everyone to know ‘why’ the Father has sent Him to us. We can always see better when there is light present and that’s why Jesus is the truth and the light. He cries out to lead those who have trapped themselves in the darkness of sin and disparity.
The more we recognize sin for what it is, the more grateful we are for our redemption, accomplished by Jesus Christ. We cry out to Jesus for His help and His mercy and Jesus cries out so that we might hear him from afar.
Action of the Day: This week start looking at each day at the end of your day. Look to see where you have been the face of Christ as well as where you missed the opportunity to show God’s love and compassion.
Audio Reflection:
