Dispute Over Whose Children Jesus’ Opponents Are

March 24, 2021, Wednesday
Wednesday of the Fifth Week of Lent (Violet)
CYCLE B - YEAR I
RDGS: DN 3:14-20. 91-92. 95/ DN 3:52. 53. 54. 55. 56
GOSPEL: JN 8:31-42

Then Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, 

'If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.' 

They answered him, 'We are descendants of Abraham and have never been slaves to anyone. What do you mean by saying, "You will be made free"?'

Jesus answered them, 'Very truly, I tell you, everyone who commits sin is a slave to sin. The slave does not have a permanent place in the household; the Son has a place there for ever. So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed. I know that you are descendants of Abraham; yet you look for an opportunity to kill me, because there is no place in you for my word. I declare what I have seen in the Father's presence; as for you, you should do what you have heard from the Father.'

They answered him, 'Abraham is our father.' 

Jesus said to them, 'If you were Abraham's children, you would be doing what Abraham did, but now you are trying to kill me, a man who has told you the truth that I heard from God. This is not what Abraham did. You are indeed doing what your father does.' 

They said to him, 'We are not illegitimate children; we have one father, God himself.' 

Jesus said to them, 'If God were your Father, you would love me, for I came from God and now I am here. I did not come on my own, but he sent me.'

GOSPEL REFLECTION:

The gospel today is a continuation of the conversation Jesus had with the Jews in yesterday's gospel. His reference to making His word our home causes us to reflect on the meaning of “home”. Where do we find ourselves most at home? You could also ask with whom do you find yourself most at home? The acceptance of the indwelling of God in our hearts is a privileged place of home for us. From the experience of this indwelling, we can be constantly at home in whatever place we are, or whatever company we are in.

PRAYER:

Jesus’ promise is that the truth will make us free. Lord, I do want to be free, so let me listen to those who tell me the truth about myself. Let me listen also to your word which tries to reach into my heart and liberate me. Let me start with the great truth of which you try to convince me: that I am endlessly loved by you.