The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today challenge us to review the depth of our commitment to accepting the testimony about the nature of our relationship with God.
Looking at the testimony
The reading from the Book of Exodus describes the dialogue of Moses to turn God from fierce wrath.
* [32:11–13] Moses uses three arguments to persuade the Lord to remain faithful to the Sinai covenant even though the people have broken it: (1) they are God’s own people, redeemed with God’s great power; (2) God’s reputation will suffer if they are destroyed; (3) the covenant with Abraham still stands. The Lord’s change of mind is a testimony to Israel’s belief in the power of intercessory prayer.1
Psalm 106 is a confession of Israel’s Sins.
* [Psalm 106] Israel is invited to praise the God whose mercy has always tempered judgment of Israel (Ps 106:1–3). The speaker, on behalf of all, seeks solidarity with the people, who can always count on God’s fidelity despite their sin (Ps 106:4–5). Confident of God’s mercy, the speaker invites national repentance (Ps 106:6) by reciting from Israel’s history eight instances of sin, judgment, and forgiveness.2
The Gospel of John declares the witnesses to Jesus.
* [5:32] Another: likely the Father, who in four different ways gives testimony to Jesus, as indicated in the verse groupings Jn 5:33–34, 36, 37–38, 39–40.3
Kimberly Grassmeyer shares how easy it is to read and think and how difficult it is to have a true, deep relationship with Jesus. To “come to me to have life.”
I enrich my relationship to the extent that I practice, as Ignatius did; to read and think is well and good, but partnering that effort with deeper, imaginative prayer that puts me in settings with and in conversation with Jesus. The other issue raised in this reading reminds me how quickly we fall into the trap of heeding human praise. If others think highly of someone and herald her/his character or works, then I may also jump on that bandwagon. Although Jesus’ lesson here is about accepting praise from others over the Praise of God, as I understand it, my other take-away is to be mindful of the who I revere. Does the person manifest our better angels? Is she loving in the way of Christ? Has he earned human praise for worldly gain? The reading cautions me to look for God’s values and praises in the hearts of those I then honor with my respect and affections.4
Don Schwager quotes “Christ is our Master who teaches us,” by Saint Augustine of Hippo, 354- 430 A.D.
"There is a Master within Who teaches us. Christ is our Master, and his inspiration and his anointing teaches us. Where his inspiration and his anointing are lacking, it is in vain that words resound in our ears. As Paul the Apostle said: 'I planted the seed and Apollos watered it, but God made it grow.' Therefore, whether we plant or whether we water by our words, we are nothing. It is God Who gives the increase; His anointing teaches you all things." (excerpt from Sermon on 1 John 3,13)5
The Word Among Us Meditation on John 5:31-47 asks, wasn't it the depths of God’s mercy that John himself proclaimed when he preached his message of repentance?
If you want to be a good witness to Christ in these remaining days of Lent, then take John’s words to heart. First, ask God to forgive any unfaithfulness on your part. Then, confident in his mercy, keep moving forward. Take up the same single-minded approach that John had, and determine that you will be faithful to the Lord today. Don’t dwell on the past. Don’t worry about any time that you may have lost or the blessings you may have missed out on. Seize hold of the grace that’s available today. It’s free. It’s abundant. And it’s yours if you want it. “Jesus, help me to put the past behind me and begin this day with hope and confidence in your grace!”6
Friar Jude Winkler connects the condemnation of worship of the calf to conflict between the north and south. Moses demonstrates chutzpah in dialogue with God. Friar Jude suggests that not recognizing Christ in Scripture invites condemnation by Moses.
Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, introduces The Rev. Stephanie Spellers, a leader in the Episcopal Church, who is working with Bishop Michael Curry to spread a message of God’s inclusive and expansive love.
It is true that God stands with God’s people through every trial, but not so that they will sit comfortably with the privilege of apparent divine favor. Now they have to stand in solidarity with, graciously receive and welcome the vulnerable ones within their community and beyond it whom they might find it most difficult to accept: the orphan, the widow, the stranger, The Other. God has done it for them. Now they are called to respond in kind, literally imitating the God who graciously welcomed them. . . 7.
Our contemplation of God’s mercy opens our heart to share His Love.
References
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