John 7, 1-2.10.25-30

March 24, 2023 (Friday)
Let us all remember that we are in the Holy Presence of God.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

John 7, 1-2.10.25-30
Jesus moved about within Galilee; but he did not wish to travel in Judea, because the Jews were trying to kill him. But the Jewish feast of Tabernacles was near. But when his brothers had gone up to the feast, he himself also went up, not openly but (as it were) in secret. So some of the inhabitants of Jerusalem said, “Is he not the one they are trying to kill? And look, he is speaking openly and they say nothing to him. Could the authorities have realized that he is the Messiah? But we know where he is from. When the Messiah comes, no one will know where he is from.” So, Jesus cried out in the temple area as he was teaching and said, “You know me and also know where I am from. Yet I did not come on my own, but the one who sent me, whom you do not know, is true. I know him, because I am from him, and he sent me.” So they tried to arrest him, but no one laid a hand upon him, because his hour had not yet come.

Reflection:
The ministry of Jesus aroused much public debate among the Jewish religious leaders and the ordinary people. While the leaders were primarily critical of what Jesus said and did, the ordinary public swayed between admiration and condemnation of Jesus, who claimed himself as the Son of God, the Messiah foretold in the Scriptures and the only way to the Father in Heaven. While the public wondered, “can this be the Christ?’ (V 27), the leaders were only seeking to arrest him (V. 30). Thus, Jesus’ presence and actions were becoming points of flare-up both in Judea and in Galilee. Later when Jesus was brought before Pilot, he was accused of stirring up controversies among the people from Galilee to Jerusalem. However, Jesus never backtracked His claims as the Son of God, to whom the Father has given authority to execute judgement. Jesus appealed to the people to relate His teachings and promises to the context of the feast they were celebrating. However, some believed in Him, while others tried to arrest Him. A good illustration of crowd psychology! The failure of the religious leaders to discover and accept Jesus’ true origin prevents them from believing in Him. Human rationale blocked the minds of the Pharisees from genuine reflection on the Scriptures, which pointed to Jesus as the Son of God. In our relationships and interactions, we, too, allow ourselves to be swayed by similar considerations. We become prejudiced by color, caste, and national and ethnic opinions stored in our minds rather than establishing brotherly relationships based on Gospel values. We find it difficult to accept other members of our communities because of their alternatives or otherness. Genuine Christian life must surpass all physical, mental or spiritual and remain open to interact with everyone we are called to live with. How will I meet God today? Will I welcome him in the presence of my fellow?

Lasallian Guiding Principle:
LGP states that, “Every individual needs to be constantly exposed to or immersed in the pressing social problems to which we subsequently aim to contribute a resolution.” As Lasallians, we need to testify to our faith and become instruments in opening the eyes and ears of those who continue to resist in you every day. Let us continue to live the faith and become heralds of the eternal word in this present time.

Prayer:
Synod on Synodality Prayer

We stand before You, Holy Spirit, as we gather together in Your name.
With You alone to guide us, Make Yourself at home in our hearts;
Teach us the way we must go and how we are to pursue it.
We are weak and sinful; do not let us promote disorder.
Do not let ignorance lead us down the wrong path nor partiality influence our actions.
Let us find in You our unity so that we may journey together to eternal life and not stray from the way of truth and what is right.
All this we ask of You, who are at work in every place and time, in the communion of the Father and the Son, forever and ever. Amen.

St. John Baptist de La Salle, pray for us.

St. Miguel Febres Cordero, pray for us.
Live Jesus in our hearts, forever!

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Sources:
C. (n.d.). Daily Gospel. Retrieved June 22, 2020, from https://dailygospel.org/M/AM/DLSU ITS, DLSU STRATCOM, DLSU IRPA. (n.d.). Guiding Principles of the Philippine Lasallian Family.
Retrieved June 22, 2020, from http://www.dlsu.edu.ph/inside/lasallian-guiding-principles/default.asp

Prepared by Pratik, Sati D., College of Humanities and Sciences- BS Biochemistry Student, through the DLSMHSI Lasallian Mission and Linkages and Advancement, Campus Ministry, and Chaplaincy

Our Daily Lasallian Gospel, Prayer and Reflection is a DLSMHSI gift to the Lasallian family for the 2019 Celebration of the Year of Vocation and the Tercentenary celebration of the death of our founder SJBDLS.
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https://www.dlshsi.edu.ph/daily-lasallian-reflection-prayer #300LaSalle