Homily (Reflection) for Thursday of
the Fifth Week of Lent (11th April, 2019) on the Gospel
Gen 17:3-9;
Ps 104:4-9. (R. v.8);
Jn 8:51-59.
Topic: Immunization against death.
Jesus told the Jews in today’s gospel, “Very truly, I tell
you, whoever keeps my word will never see death.” Judging from their
experiences, this statement was a very bitter pill for them. Hence they retorted
in part, “Now we know that you have a demon. Abraham died, and so did the
prophets; yet you say, ‘Whoever keeps my word will never taste death....Who do
you claim to be?’”
Just like the Jews, whenever we hear or speak of death, minds
normally go to the end of this physical life which is certain, cf. Gen 3:19. Hardly do we think beyond
this present life. It is like pursuing the wind one trying to save this present
life, cf. Matt 16:25; Mk 8:35; Lk 9:24.
Jesus said to Martha, “I am the resurrection and the life; he
who believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live” (Jn 11:25). We also read, “Truly, truly, I say to you, he who hears
my word and believes him who sent me, has eternal life; he does not come into
judgment, but has passed from death to life .... those who have done good, to
the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of
judgment” (Jn 5:24,29).
This word is the word of the truth, (cf. Col 1:5; Jn 14:6) and the word of life, cf. (1Jn 1:1; Phil 2:16). Those who disobey this word stumble, cf. 1Pt 2:8. One can remain Jesus’ disciple
by remaining faithful to His word, cf. Jn
8:31. And those who do not keep Jesus’ word are those who hate Him, cf. Jn 14:24. So, whoever wants to live
must keep Jesus’ word.
Bible Reading: Jn 5:19-29; Dan
12:1-13.
Thought for today: The word of life, cf. 1Jn 1:1.
Let us pray: Lord, we need your grace to enable
us keep your word for without you we can do nothing – Amen (cf. Jn 15:5).
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