Thursday of the Fourth Week of Lent

"If I testify on my own behalf, my testimony cannot be verified. But there is another who testifies on my behalf, and I know that the testimony he gives on my behalf is true. “You 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. “Moreover, the Father who sent me has testified on my behalf. But you have never heard his voice nor seen his form, and you do not have his word remaining in you, because you do not believe in the one whom he has sent You search the scriptures, because you think you have eternal life through them; even they testify on my behalf. But you do not want to come to me to have life. "I do not accept human praise; moreover, I know that you do not have the love of God in you. I came in the name of my Father, but you do not accept me; yet if another comes in his own name, you will accept him. How can you believe, when you accept praise from one another and do not seek the praise that comes from the only God? Do not think that I will accuse you before the Father: the one who will accuse you is Moses, in whom you have placed your hope. For if you had believed Moses, you would have believed me, because he wrote about me. But if you do not believe his writings, how will you believe my words?" (John 5:31-47)

Introductory prayer: Lord God, may I, through faith and with love, see your face in your beloved Son, Jesus Christ. I hope to see you face to face on that eternal day when your Son returns.

1. “Yet I have testimony greater than John’s, namely, the works the Father has given me to accomplish.” Jesus is the true witness of the Father. He reveals the work of the Father. In the same way that Jesus reveals the works of the Father’s love, we must reveal the works of the heart of Christ. We are the witnesses of the Crucified and Risen Lord.

2. “These very works which I perform testify on my behalf that the Father has sent me.” The miracles of Christ prove that he comes from the Father. Our way of life in service to our brothers and sisters should prove that we come from Christ. Everything we do must be done in the manner of the Lord Jesus to the glory of God the Father.

3. “I have come in my Father’s name, yet you do not accept me.” Many refused to believe that Jesus was the Christ in spite of the marvels that the Lord worked among them. Many people will refuse to accept our testimony as disciples of Jesus. We should not become discouraged but trust in the mighty providence of God.

Dialogue: Lord Jesus, by the grace of your death and resurrection, make me a true witness of your kingdom.

Resolution: To ask God for the grace of fortitude to witness always to the truth of the Gospel.