April 07, 2017

John Baptist de la Salle

Jn 10: 31-42

The Jews took up stones again to stone him. Jesus replied, “I have shown you many good works from the Father. For which of these are you going to stone me?” The Jews answered, “It is not for a good work that we are going to stone you, but for blasphemy, because you, though only a human being, are making yourself God.”

Jesus answered, “Is it not written in your law, ‘I said, you are gods’? If those to whom the word of God came were called ‘gods’ —and the scripture cannot be annulled— can you say that the one whom the Father has sanctified and sent into the world is blaspheming because I said, ‘I am God’s Son’? If I am not doing the works of my Father, then do not believe me. But if I do them, even though you do not believe me, believe the works, so that you may know and understand that the Father is in me and I am in the Father.”

Then they tried to arrest him again, but he escaped from their hands. He went away again across the Jordan to the place where John had been baptizing earlier, and he remained there. Many came to him, and they were saying, “John performed no sign, but everything that John said about this man was true.” And many believed in him there.

New Revised Standard Version, copyright 1989, by the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. USCCB approved.

Watching Jesus

With less than a week until the Triduum, our readings today continue to invite us to notice Jesus in the challenging conversations. And Jesus seems to know where to go during difficult times. He went back to the place where he was nourished, with his Father’s message of love and support. (“You are my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.”)  

When I hear the voices of those who want to challenge me and even correct me, am I willing to listen or do I enter into a defensive posture, defending or retreating? Jesus seems to remind the challengers to watch who he is, and what he does, and allow that to inform them. And then, in walking back to the comforting memories, he is fed again.

I find myself asking a few questions as I watch Jesus here. What have I heard about Jesus? Is it true for me? What have I said about Jesus? Is it true? Would people believe because of what I have said? Why or why not? Many began to believe in him because of what they heard. Do I? May we grow in the truth that Jesus offers in his life.

—Fr. Kevin Schneider, SJ is the director of adult spirituality programs at Creighton Preparatory School in Omaha, NE. He is a spiritual director and offers parish missions and retreats in the style of Ignatian Spirituality.

Prayer

More than ever I find myself in the hands of God. 
This is what I have wanted all my life from my youth.
But now there is a difference; the initiative is entirely with God.
It is indeed a profound spiritual experience to know and feel myself so totally in God’s hands.

— Pedro Arrupe, SJ