Today’s Gospel: John 5, 17-30
Imitation, it is said, is the highest form of flattery. We have all seen children after sneaking into dad’s closet, coming out wearing dad’s clothes and shoes. “How cute!” we think. Fast forward 30 years. Dad has aged well, and son has aged quickly. That same son who played ‘dress up’ has now grown into a near – duplicate of dad. One day he attends a business meeting, acting as his father, only without his father’s knowledge. Critical decisions are made, without the father’s expertise or permission. We no longer think “how cute!” We see the inherent injustice in such deception.
When Jesus talked of God as Father, those who heard him put Him in the same category as the man above – deceptive at best, a blasphemer at worst. They did not understand Jesus is equal to the Father. So, he explained, “The Father loves His Son and shows Him everything that He Himself does.” (Jn 5:20) “I cannot do anything on my own; I judge as I hear, and my judgment is just, because I do not seek my own will but the will of the One who sent me.” (Jn 5:30) Sadly, these words only served to infuriate those who heard them, because their hearts were closed. Ask for the grace to know the Father as Jesus does. Ask to know the love flowing between the Father and the Son – the Spirit. Like Jesus, ask for the grace to be able to sincerely say with Jesus, “I do not seek my own will but the will of the one who sent me.”
Ponder:
Do I sincerely want to know (and do) God’s will, even when it is inconvenient or difficult?
Pray:
Loving Father, Jesus reflected your love, your strength, your face. Please open my heart; let me come to know you and love you and do your will, as Jesus did. I seek to do that will. Amen.
Copyright 2016 Sister Mary Kansier, MS
Sister Mary is a Marian Sister of the Diocese of Lincoln (NE). When not at her primary apostolate as Director of Technology for the diocesan schools, she loves to read, walk, and spend time with her religious community. Her greatest dream is to someday go to Dijon, France, and visit the Carmel where Blessed Elizabeth of the Trinity is interred.
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