Posted by The WORD in other words (2018) by Sister Eden Panganiban SSpS – Holy Spirit Convent, Quezon City
Thursday 4th Week of Lent
The Gospel reading gives a premonition about the end of Jesus’ earthly life. John alludes to it taking place in a few days. Jesus thus gives his keynote address.
In this Gospel narrative Jesus does not attempt to bear witness to himself. “Otherwise that would be worthless.” (v. 31). He cites four other witnesses: “John the Baptist, the very works that he does, the Father and the Scriptures.”
While the quality of a testimony leads to belief, it is by the power of the indwelling Spirit that enables us to believe in and accept Jesus Christ. Jesus could continue to add to his list a fifth witness, if he were to address us: “But you, how do you testify on my behalf? How does your life show that you are my messengers?”
The season of LENT calls us to examine our lives. How credible and authentic witnesses are we? There are times, however, when the words that we speak are superfluous and may not even be necessary. Instead, our actions as well as the quality of our relationships with ourselves, with others and with creation could be more eloquent and radiate more clearly who this JESUS is living in us.
I remember a shopkeeper at the LRT 1 station. Though his store is small his goods are saleable. Buyers flock to his shop not because of his glib talk but because of the efficacy of his product – tested, proven, trustworthy. We too can walk our talk if our life is nourished by our relationship with the ONE to whom we give witness.
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