March 10 - Thursday of the Fourth Week of Lent

The Father’s Witness

Today's Readings

In today’s readings both Moses and Jesus had a tough time. Once again the people have strayed. They tried to tell people God’s message but the people didn’t want to receive it. Never the less they challenged the people to turn from sin and idolatry and come to the light of God’s grace and mercy. 

The first reading shows God’s reaction when he discovers the Israelites worshiping false idols and being stiff-necked. We remember from other readings that this is not a new phenomenon. God gets angry and threats to allow his wrath to blaze up and wipe them from the face of the earth. But Moses intervenes, and asks God to give the people a second chance. Moses reminds God that his greatness and power lies in his mercy and forgiveness and not in his power to destroy. God relents, because as we know, both He and his Son Jesus are great givers of second, third, fourth and fifth chances... How many times would God have been justified in punishing us for things we have done against his law? 

In the Gospel reading, Jesus’ opponents refused to accept his divine authority and claim to be the only Son from the Father. They demanded evidence for his claim and equality with God. Jesus answers their accusations with the supporting evidence of witnesses. The problem is the scribes and Pharisees search the Scriptures, looking for eternal life, but don’t recognize it in Jesus himself. They made the Law their god and rejected Jesus. They looked for praise from their fellow humans and were too concerned with outward appearances resulting in an inability to recognize the word of God. Their pride made them deaf to God’s voice. God gives us his grace freely but the fruitfulness of the gift is in how we receive it.

You’ve seen God’s works and heard his Word, do you really believe he’s for real?

How can you listen with faith, trust and obedience?

Do you truly believe that God’s word has power to set you free from sin and ignorance and to transform you to be more like him?

As believers we have a responsibility to share the good news of God’s love. How do you share the good news of God’s love with others?

Reflection by Kathy M, Member Faith Formation Commission, Wednesday evening Bible study and liturgical minister