⏰Saturday of the Fourth Week of Easter (27 April 2024)
πActs 13:44-52; Ps 98:1, 2-3ab, 3cd-4 (R.v.3cd); John 14:7-14
π€"FOR THIS IS ETERNAL LIFE, TO KNOW YOU THE ONLY TRUE GOD, AND THE ONE YOU SENT, JESUS CHRIST" (John 17:3)
The Gospel of John can not get tired of calling us into faith in Jesus as that is its primary project. Believing in Jesus is more important than our comfort since that is what guarantees eternal life for us (cf. John 20:31).
You can then see that, in John's Gospel, most of the works that Jesus did among the people are called SIGNS and not MIRACLES. They are signs that should point out the divinity of Jesus to us (see John 14:11). More so, these signs are not just means of satisfaction, but they enhance growth in us that would transform us into WITNESSES.
Ironically, many of us are more interested in these works than in the person of Jesus. Many others, too, are more comfortable with their immediate gain than the sight of eternal life.
Considering the verb that Jesus used here (John 14:7), 'TO KNOW' goes beyond having a mere idea of something or someone. It means 'to ENCOUNTER'. To encounter someone demands a personal touch. You can not touch someone you are not close to.
Remember that sin can keep us away from being close to Jesus. Yet, you can not have an encounter with Jesus if you are not close to him. And we NEED Jesus, the Way, the Truth and the Life (John 14:6) to KNOW the Father.
The sin of jealousy made the Jews distance themselves from that encounter with Jesus when Paul and Barnabas came to them with the word of eternal life. Their opposition, however, caused the message to spread to the gentiles. We are the losers when we fail to have that encounter with Jesus.
What is the content of your faith? Is it built upon a personal touch with Jesus?
May our profession of faith this day be really Christocentric so that he may take us safely with him back to the Father. Amen.
Have a faithful and grace-filled weekend. Peace be with you.
http://www.fadajbcezeonwumelu.com/for-this-is-eternal-life-to-know-you-the-only-true-god-and-the-one-you-sent-jesus-christ-john-173/
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