March 18, 2021, Thursday
Thursday of the Fourth Week of Lent (Violet)
Optional Memorial of Saint Cyril of Jerusalem, Bishop and Doctor of the Church
CYCLE B - YEAR I
RDGS: EX 32:7-14/ PS 106:19-20. 21-22. 23
GOSPEL: JN 5:31-47
"If I testify on my own behalf, my testimony is not true.
But there is another who testifies on my behalf,
and I know that the testimony he gives on my behalf is true.
You sent emissaries to John, and he testified to the truth.
I do not accept human testimony,
but I say this so that you may be saved.
He was a burning and shining lamp,
and for a while you were content to rejoice in his light.
But I have testimony greater than John's.
The works that the Father gave me to accomplish,
these works that I perform testify on my behalf
that the Father has sent me.
Moreover, the Father who sent me has testified on my behalf.
But you have never heard his voice nor seen his form,
and you do not have his word remaining in you,
because you do not believe in the one whom he has sent.
You search the Scriptures,
because you think you have eternal life through them;
even they testify on my behalf.
But you do not want to come to me to have life.
"I do not accept human praise;
moreover, I know that you do not have the love of God in you.
I came in the name of my Father,
but you do not accept me;
yet if another comes in his own name,
you will accept him.
How can you believe, when you accept praise from one another
and do not seek the praise that comes from the only God?
Do not think that I will accuse you before the Father:
the one who will accuse you is Moses,
in whom you have placed your hope.
For if you had believed Moses,
you would have believed me,
because he wrote about me.
But if you do not believe his writings,
how will you believe my words?"
GOSPEL REFLECTION:
Today is a continuation of yesterday's gospel. Jesus tells us who he is. He emphasizes how the Jews are looking in the wrong places for the meaning of life. We tend to make mistakes in our own search for meaning. If you feel you have been gifted with the friendship of Jesus, thank the Lord for that treasure. Also, thank Him for the people and circumstances He has used to help you find Him. Our faith is a very precious gift. Don’t forget that the way you live your faith can also be an avenue of grace for others.
PRAYER:
Thank the Lord for the encouragement that came from home, school, and friends. Seek to forgive those who were a source of discouragement.
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