Greetings on this the Thursday of the Fourth Week of Lent
Readings: Ex 32:7-14; PS 106:19-20, 21-22, 23; Jn 5:31-47
Notes:
One of the great Christian tragedies is for this to happen:
You search the Scriptures,
because you think you have eternal life through them;
even they testify on my behalf.
But you do not want to come to me to have life.
The meaning is that some search the scriptures not for life-giving word but for armor in battle, a secular battle, enrobed in sacred scripture. A very big tragedy!
First reading
But Moses implored the LORD.
Moses, a great intercessor, stood in the breach. He advocated for the sinful and the disobedient. He pleaded for mercy.
Mercy above justice.
Moses’s entire ministry was a balancing act of compliance, mercy, rule and regulation.
He did not shy away, no, he was deeply burdened by the complexity and contradictions of personal and social life.
Be a Moses.
Responsorial Psalm
Remember us, O Lord, as you favor your people.
Verse Before the Gospel
God so loved the world that he gave his only-begotten Son,
so that everyone who believes in him might have eternal life.
Gospel Portion
Jesus is Moses’s Moses.
Intercessor of Intercessors.
Jesus takes up Moses’s mission and brings it to the fullest completion.
(remember the Transfiguration).
Do not think that I will accuse you before the Father:
the one who will accuse you is Moses,
in whom you have placed your hope.
For if you had believed Moses,
you would have believed me,
because he wrote about me.
But if you do not believe his writings,
how will you believe my words?”
Read sacred scripture with the heart of mercy and mercy shall be how you see all things.
Just like God.
Good read: https://gerrypalermo.files.wordpress.com/2022/03/catholic-social-teaching-handout-adults-digital.pdf
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry
Deacon Gerry Palermo 