Jesus’ Life: Chapter 11 – Jesus At The Feast Of Tabernacles (St John)
What is the Holy Trinity?
When answering such a question, we delight in reciting Jesus’ testimony: the Holy Trinity is God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit; three divine persons but only one God.
Our faith in Jesus’ testimony is a great blessing.
It was possibly the final day of the Feast of Tabernacles when a group of Scribes and Pharisees, once again, approached and challenged Jesus.
They had previously asked Him, “Who are You?” But when he told them he was the Son of God, they refused to believe. Likewise, when Jesus reminded them that he was not from this world saying, “I do nothing on my own initiative, the one who sent me, God the Father, is with me,” they didn’t listen.
Jesus also repeated another of his comments to them saying, “I am going away, and you will look for me but will die in your sin. Where I am going you cannot come”.
What did Jesus mean by all this?
“I am going away“: Jesus could have been referring to his departure at the end of the Feast of Tabernacles or more likely his imminent death on the Cross.
“You will look for me“: The Jewish leaders would continue to look for the Messiah – having rejected Jesus.
“[You] will die in your sin“: Rejecting Jesus was a refusal of his offer of mercy and forgiveness; their sins would go unforgiven.
“Where I am going you cannot come“: While Jesus would ascend to the right hand of his Father in Heaven, they would not. (John 8:21-29)
Thought
It is through our faith in the passion, death, resurrection and teachings of Jesus, that we will receive the eternal rewards of Heaven.
Reflection
Lord Jesus, Son of the Father, guide me in my ways, forgive me my sins, protect me from evil and have mercy on me.
Prayer: Faith (St Benedict)
Gracious and Holy Father,
give us the wisdom to discover You,
the intelligence to understand You,
the diligence to seek after You,
the patience to wait for You,
eyes to behold You,
a heart to meditate upon You,
and a life to proclaim You,
through the power of the Spirit of Jesus, our Lord. Amen.
