Gospel Reading: Jn 3:31-36
The one who comes from above is above all. The one who is of the earth is earthly and speaks of earthly things. But the one who comes from heaven is above all. He testifies to what he has seen and heard, but no one accepts his testimony. Whoever does accept his testimony certifies that God is trustworthy. For the one whom God sent speaks the words of God. He does not ration his gift of the Spirit. The Father loves the Son and has given everything over to him. Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever disobeys the Son will not see life, but the wrath of God remains upon him.
Reflections
The one who comesfrom heaven
Many people see Jesus as the Revealer who makes known the mystery of God. Since Jesus comes “from above,” he can speak about heavenly things. In this the Synoptics are in harmony with John. “All things have been handed over to me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son wishes to reveal him” (Mt 11:27; cf Lk 10:22).
Some Christians, however, see this as the only function of Jesus, and neglect or deny his saving passion and death.
Some others take Jesus’ revelation as a “secret” known only to a select group. Such is the case of the Gnostics.
Gnosticism is a heretical belief that arose since the early period of Christianity, and strains of Gnosticism flourish even today.
To believe, therefore, is not just to choose Jesus as a personal savior or revealer, but to follow him in his sacrifice for the life of the world. To believe is to embrace the totality of Jesus, not just certain aspects of him that appeal to our comfort and taste.
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Is your faith both paniniwala (belief) and pananalig (trust)?
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SOURCE: “365 Days with the Lord,” ST PAULS, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 895-9701; Fax 895-7328; E-mail: [email protected]; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.
