Jesus’ Life: Chapter 15 – Jesus’ Ministry Before His Passion
A passionate Jesus, probably on meeting a crowd of unbelieving people, proceeded to highlight the grave consequences of rejecting his teachings.
He cried out, “The one who believes in me does not believe in me, but in the one who sent me, and the one who sees me sees the one who sent me”.
His words may at first seem contradictory but not so. Jesus was simply pointing out that those who accepted his message believed in one God; the Father (who sent him), the Son (Jesus) and the Holy Spirit.
Jesus, at the same time, used his often used symbolism of light to describe his Gospel message. His message, he said, was a light to the world. A light that will give eternal life, “So that everyone who believes should not remain in darkness”.
Jesus concluded his message by extolling God the Father saying, “For I have not spoken from my own authority, but the Father himself who sent me has commanded me what I should say and what I should speak. And I know that his commandment is eternal life. Thus the things I say, I say just as the Father has told me”. (John 12:44-50)
Thought
Listening to Jesus’ teachings means being trustworthy, honest, fair, helpful, caring, loving, joyful, sincere, faithful… Make your work today a long and loving prayer to God.
Reflection
Lord Jesus, lead me to where you want me to go and nourish others through my light.
Prayer: Perseverance (John Henry Newman)
O Lord,
support us all the day long of this troublous life,
until the shadows lengthen, and the evening comes,
and the busy world is hushed,
and the fever of life is over, and our work is done.
Then, Lord, in thy mercy,
grant us a safe lodging, a holy rest,
and peace at the last. Amen.