Newton Basumatari csc –
Readings: Ex 32: 7 -14; Jn 5:31-47
In our day-to-day living, we take for granted the things and the blessings that we received from God without realizing that everything in this world is a gift from God. God makes us experience his love through various things and events. In today’s gospel reading, Jesus challenged the religious leaders to look beyond mere human testimony to recognize the divine authority at work in him. He speaks of the various witnesses that testify on behalf of John the Baptist, his works, and the Father himself. All pointing to the truth of his identity as the son of God.
In the first reading, we hear how the people of Israel failed to recognize the goodness of God. Despite being liberated from slavery by him, they turned away and worshipped idols. Likewise, in the gospel reading, we observe a parallel situation where the religious leaders failed to recognize the goodness in Jesus. Very often in our lives, we boast about our talents and abilities, our achievements, and qualifications, and by doing so, we fail to see the goodness in others.
This season of Lent invites us to recognize the goodness in others, and to do that, we need to practice the virtue of humility, recognizing and accepting all as sons and daughters of God. When we actively seek out the goodness in others, we cultivate compassion, foster deeper connections, and promote a more inclusive and supportive environment. By doing this, we can step closer to Jesus. Today, let us ask Jesus to help us recognize the goodness in our fellow brothers and sisters.