Word to the Wise
Thursday, May 1, 2025 - 2nd Week of Easter - Thurs
[Acts 5:27-33 and John 3:31-36]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. [John]
MAY 1 [St. Joseph the Worker]
"Testimony" is a big "theme" in the Gospel According to John! Jesus has come in our midst ("The Word was made flesh and dwelled among us.") He says that he is the one whom God has sent. Do we believe his testimony? Are we motivated by the promise of eternal life if we believe his testimony that he is the one whom God has sent? It is a powerful motivator, to be sure! But the gospel goes further. It says that if we believe that Jesus is the one whom God has sent, we are "certifying" that God is trustworthy!!! Our own faith in God is an assurance to others that God can be trusted! Hmmmm..... How trustworthy are WE?
I have often heard, in spiritual direction, the complaint, "I wish I could just trust God (more)!" I have to ask, in return, "What is keeping you from trusting God?" That question points to the conversion that is a life-long process of being a better witness and giving more authentic "testimony!" Can we accept Jesus' testimony that to believe in him is to have eternal life even in this life? This is more than intellectual assent to whatever is in the Catechism or Code of Canon Law. It is a relationship founded on an encounter with God in the person of Jesus Christ whose Spirit continually supports this encounter. Our testimony will be continually "cross-examined" by our culture and world to determine its authenticity. If we are true to our faith, we testify that God is trustworthy!! Eternal life is on the table and we are asked to choose!! AMEN