A Reading from the Holy 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: Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, in today’s Gospel two words that appear multiple times, and are opposite to each other, stand out to me; believe and condemn.
Jesus tells us, “Whoever believes in me believes… in the one who sent me…” Believing in Jesus, is not just accepting a set of facts. To believe in Him, is to turn away from sin, and into the light of His truth. Believing in the mystery of our Cristian faith, is not a sign of intellectual failure. Rather, it is trusting in something beyond our understanding, and capacity as humans. It is trusting in the mercy of God the Father, who sent Him.
Jesus, then addresses condemnation, saying; “I did not come to condemn the world but to save the world.” This is the core of Catholic theology: Christ is not a condemning judge waiting for us to fail, but a Savior, waiting to lift us up. If we choose to reject Him, He does not have to condemn us. Rather, our own choice to turn away from the sin, becomes our condemnation on the last day. His words are not designed to punish us, but to guide us to salvation, and eternal life.
Today we celebrate the memorial of Saint Catherine of Siena, a Doctor of the Church. Saint Catherine of Siena demonstrates the call to live in the “Light” described in today’s Gospel. She famously stated, “Be who God meant you to be and you will set the world on fire”. Saint Catherine of Siena viewed her mission, as driving out darkness—sin and ignorance—through the “light” of self-knowledge, and divine love. Her life and writings, demonstrate how to break free from darkness, and embrace Christ’s command. Saint Catherine of Siena, pray for us.
Action for the day: Trust in the saving light of Christ and choose to “believe”—not just with your head, but with actions that reflect, His light to the world. The following are some suggestions:
- Spend at least 15-min. today, in quiet, contemplative prayer
- Read a spiritual book, or the biography of Saint Catherine of Siena
- Do one concrete act of mercy, for a neighbor
- Speak up about a truth that is being neglected today
Audio Reflection:
