Date: April 3, 2020 ()

Bible Text: First Reading: JER 20:10-13; Gospel: JN 10:31-42 |

Series:

“But everything John said about this man was true.”

The crime of which Jesus was accused was blasphemy. For the people in those times, it was a transgression that could be considered as a high crime. Jesus was, as it were, messing with the first and most important commandment.

But Jesus answered them: “I have shown you many good works from my Father…even if you do not believe me, believe the works, so that you may realize and understand.”

Jesus did not preach empty words. His speeches were always packed with actions. That’s why seeing His works, people realized that He was no ordinary man. Only later that Jesus would declare: “I am the Son of God… the Father is in me and I am in the Father”.

Yes, someone can claim to be somebody else as Jesus did, but the authenticity of their claim depends on the evidence of their action. And Jesus’ claim was undeniably true because His actions spoke aloud and convincingly. “Many came to him and said, ‘John performed no sign, but everything John said about this man was true.’ And many there began to believe in him.”

Apparently, in today’s gospel, Jesus wants us to focus on His works. We heard of so many titles and attributes about Jesus, but all these are solidly grounded on His works.

What I consider to be my favorite Divine intervention by Jesus was when He commanded the storm to calm down. Not to mention His restoring back to life Lazarus who had been in the tomb for four days, and turning jars of water into wine at the wedding. These are Jesus’ works that no one on earth can imitate. Yes, the saints can do miracles exactly the same as what He did, but we know that all of those miracles are done in the name of Jesus. Contemplating these miracle stories sends me awe and wonder. Knowing Jesus’ works strengthens and deepens my faith and trust in Him.

Today, the darkness of too many deaths due to the outbreak of a killer virus is very overwhelming. Faith seems vanquished by the seeming silence of God. However, our gospel invites us to take a closer look at what the Lord Jesus has done. If we can remember Jesus fed the five thousand, how could we doubt Him?

Let this be our prayer: Jesus I believe in You; Jesus I trust you.