Posted by The WORD in other words (2009) by Fr. Erasio Flores, SVD – Catholic Trade Manila
Tuesday 4th Week of Easter
We see and hear everyday talks, discussions and controversies on and about Christ at TV programs and over the radio. This approach is actually not healthy, but only sows unclarity and more confusion. Actually St. Paul in his 2nd Letter to Timothy 2,14, warns us not to debate and fight over words: “Remind your people of these things and urge them in the presence of GOD NOT TO FIGHT OVER WORDS; WHICH DOES NO GOOD; BUT ONLY RUINS THOSE WHO LISTEN.”
A simple way and most practical tip on reading the Bible is stated in the Introduction to the Christian Community Bible. It says: “Jesus is Risen! You have opened the Bible: look for Christ…The Cross of Jesus and his resurrection are at the very center of the Bible. You for whom the road is difficult and who do not see the light at the end of the tunnel learn from the Bible that you are walking toward the Resurrection, and understand who the risen Jesus is for you.”
If your focus is on the Old Testament, then a lot of difficulties are waiting you. The Old Testament is a rich material for study and exploration, which Bible scholars have still to resolve, because the personalities, things and events contained in it are symbolic and analogical of things to come, namely, of things, persons and events surrounding the long-awaited Messiah – Jesus Christ, the Savior of the World. In Hebrew10, 1 and the following lines, we read: “The religion of the Law is only a shadow of the good things to come; it has the patterns but not the realities.”
In today’s Gospel Jesus was confronted by the Jews, if Jesus was the Messiah, the fulfillment of their hopes, the liberator of Israel. But they did not have the intention of listening to him, but only of denouncing him. They asked “How long are you going to keep us in suspense? If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly.” And Jesus answered clearly: “I told you and you not believe. The works I do in my Father’s name testify to me. But you do not believe…The Father and I are one.”
With this orientation the words of Jesus in John 14, 6, becomes clearer: “I am the way, the truth and the life; no one comes to the Father but through me.” You want to reach the Father, believe in Jesus who is the only way to the Father. He is one with the Father.
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