Thursday of the
Fourth Week of Lent
(Exodus 32:7-14; John 5:31-47)
Someone once asked a prominent lawyer what is the crucial
factor in a winning case. The questioner
proposed different alternatives like a fair judge, a sympathetic jury, or a cooperative
client. The lawyer responded that none
of these were as helpful as one credible witness. In the gospel today Jesus presents several
credible witnesses to the Jews that he is the Son of God.
Specifically, Jesus points to John the Baptist, his
miracles, the Father, and the Scriptures as witnesses to his claim. John said
earlier in the gospel (1:34) that Jesus is the Son of God. Jesus has also performed mighty works like
turning water into wine. The Father testifies
within the hearts of Jesus’ own disciples who follow him unreservedly. Finally, the Scriptures give testimony to
Jesus by such statements as “Zeal for your house will consume me” (2:17) when
he throws the merchants out of the Temple.
We are not to blame the Jews in the gospel for denying that
Jesus is God’s Son. If they could have looked
objectively, they would have seen him as divine. But the Jews were committed to the view that the
Messiah would achieve military wonders.
We do not share that expectation.
Rather we accept Jesus as an elder brother who sacrifices his life for
our welfare. His example shows us how to
practice virtue. More importantly, his death
wakes us from the sinful inclination to live for ourselves.
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