Greetings on this the Friday of the Fifth Week of Lent
Readings: Jeremiah 20:10-13; Psalm 18:2-3a, 3bc-4, 5-6, 7; John 10:31-42
Summary
He went back across the Jordan
to the place where John first baptized, and there he remained (Jn 10:40).
After giving witness as follows: If I do not perform my Father’s works, do not believe me; but if I perform them, even if you do not believe me, believe the works, so that you may realize [and understand] that the Father is in me and I am in the Father (Jn 10:37-38).
Jesus pleaded with them to believe the works (Signs). They didn’t. So he returned across the Jordan, where John was (previously) baptizing (Jn 1:28b).
Jesus already explained to them the hopes of Abraham and Moses.
Jesus is pleading with them (by way of remembering) to believe John the Baptist’s Testimony to Jesus.
The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world. John testified further, saying, “I saw the Spirit come down like a dove from the sky and remain upon him. The one who sent me to baptize with water told me, ‘On whomever you see the Spirit come down and remain, he is the one who will baptize with the holy Spirit.’ Now I have seen and testified that he is the Son of God.” (Jn 1:29, 32, 33b-34).
Reflection
I love you, O LORD, my strength,
O LORD, my rock, my fortress, my deliverer (Ps 18:2-3a).
Everything John said about this man was true (Jn 10:41b).
- Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.
- The one who will baptize with the holy Spirit.
- I have seen and testified that he is the Son of God.
The Seven Signs of the Gospel of John weren’t enough for the detractors. So Jesus reminds them what happened at Bethany. The witness. I saw the Spirit come down like a dove from the sky and remain upon him (Jn 1:32).
Personal Reflection
Sometimes in our faith journey we need to go back across the Jordan to the place where John first baptized, and there we remained for a while. To contemplate the marvels of John the Baptist ministry, his witness of Jesus and the beginning of Jesus’ ministry. Then the signs make sense. Then the relationship with the Father becomes clear. Then the promises to Abraham and Moses come into focus.
When belief fades, return to where you first encountered the Lord. Go back… and see again.
Then we can say confidently: Your words, Lord, are Spirit and life; you have the words of everlasting life (John 6:63c, 68c).
Sacred Readings full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/032726.cfm
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry