THE WORD
Is 56,1-3.6-8 / Jn 5,33-36
Jesus said: “You (Jewish leaders) sent emissaries to John, and he testified to the truth. I do not accept testimony from a human being, 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.”
IN OTHER WORDS
Today marks the happy start of one of our very dear and very Filipino tradition: the “Simbang- gabi,” or “Misa de Gallo.” This nine-day novena of Thanksgiving Masses is observed wherever there are Filipino communities worldwide; the Masses are even made available to all Filipinos in the diaspora via the internet.
This said, what do the readings (God’s messages to us) tell and teach us? In the first reading we are instructed to “observe what is right, do what is just.” If we do this we are blessed. Furthermore the Lord reminds us that His house is a “house of prayer for all people.” A timely reminder for our Simbang-gabi. Being in God’s house of prayer we are to behave accordingly, with reverence and proper devotion. Let no one forget to focus on the Word of God and the Eucharist. Socializing with friends and checking text and facebook messages can be done after the “main event.”
In the Gospel, Jesus sets the record straight concerning the role of John the Baptist. As the “burning and shining” forerunner of the Messiah, John gives a testimony to the arrival of the Christ. But when Jesus comes on the scene, John’s testimony ends, and a greater testimony to the Father’s works in His Son Jesus begins. The attention is now on Christ, and our task is to follow His light, so we may no longer walk in the darkness of sin and the night of unbelief. Believing that Jesus was sent by the Father to be our Savior becomes a reality when we follow what the Lord says through the prophet Isaiah: “Observe what is right, do what is just.” Then we become blessed, for God’s salvation has arrived in our lives.
- Fr. Lino Evora Nicasio, SVD | National Shrine of Saint Jude addeus
The Word in other words 2016
An annual project of Logos Publications, The WORD in Other Words Bible Diary contains daily scripture readings and reflections written by priest, brothers, and sisters of the three congregations founded by St. Arnold Janssen (the SVD, SSpS, and SSpSAP). It hopes to serve as a daily companion to readers who continually seek the correlation of the Word of God and human experience.
