Today’s Reflection
Gospel: John 7:40-53
April 2, 2022 | Saturday

Today’s Gospel

Many who had been listening to these words began to say, “This is the Prophet.” Others said, “This is the Christ.” But some wondered, “Would the Christ come from Galilee? Doesn’t Scripture say that the Christ is a descendant of David and from Bethlehem, the city of David?” The crowd was divided over him. Some wanted to arrest him, but no one laid hands on him.

The officers of the temple went back to the chief priests, who asked them, “Why didn’t you bring him?” The officers answered, “No one ever spoke like this man.” The Pharisees then said, “So you, too, have been led astray! Have any of the rulers or any of the Pharisees believed in him? Only these cursed people, who have no knowledge of the Law!”

Yet one of them, Nicodemus, who had gone to Jesus earlier, spoke out, “Does our law condemn people without first hearing them and knowing the facts?” They replied, “Do you, too, come from Galilee? Look it up and see for yourself that no prophet is to come from Galilee.”

And they all went home.

Today’s Reflection:

People during Jesus’ time think that He is any of these: a fraud, a lunatic, a troublemaker, a blasphemer, or the promised messiah. But regardless of whatever people think of who He was, it was clear for Jesus what He must do. He still continued to do what the Father willed, no matter what His supporters or critics said. Sacrificing Himself and manifesting God’s love were more important for Him than gaining supporters by logical arguments and astounding signs.

Nowadays, many people cannot do the right things because they are concerned about what others might say. However, our true identities are not based on what others think about us. It is actually based on what we make of ourselves before God. In fact, pleasing and winning God’s approval is the only thing that creates an eternal impact. Let us be reminded of this whenever we get swayed by people’s opinions in our journey towards becoming followers of God. /Vulnerasti, 2022