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Manila Bulletin devider Opinion devider Whoever believes in the Son

Whoever believes in the Son

Published Apr 10, 2024 04:09 pm

REFLECTIONS TODAY

Gird your loins

To “believe” (Greek pisteuein), one of John’s favorite expressions, does not just mean to hold on to some opinion or truth; it connotes total confidence in Jesus. Its Hebrew equivalent is AMAN which has to do with trustfulness. Jesus is “the AMEN” because he is faithful and true (Rv 3:14) and does not disappoint those who believe in him. 


Faith involves the way a person lives, acts, and keeps the commandments. On the other hand, “disobedience” is the refusal to believe in Jesus and to follow his commandments. It means choosing darkness or doing wicked things, the works of darkness. To believe, therefore, is not just to choose Jesus as a personal savior but to make a fundamental choice affecting one’s life. This choice is freely taken. If one chooses Jesus, he is already on the road to salvation. He begins to have eternal life. 


In some places in the United States, secular people do not want to speak of “Merry Christmas,” instead substituting it by “Happy Holidays!” They do not like stores with Christmas decors. One proprietor took the risk of alienating customers by standing by his faith in Christ; he put the sign “Merry Christmas” in his restaurant. Surprisingly, customers patronized his restaurant. Christmas decors created positive feelings on them; they felt more at home there.

 

First Reading • Acts 5:27-33 
When the court officers had brought the Apostles in and made them stand before the Sanhedrin, the high priest questioned them, “We gave you strict orders did we not, to stop teaching in that name. Yet you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and want to bring this man’s blood upon us.” But Peter and the Apostles said in reply, “We must obey God rather than men. The God of our ancestors raised Jesus, though you had him killed by hanging him on a tree. God exalted him at his right hand as leader and savior to grant Israel repentance and forgiveness of sins. We are witnesses of these things, as is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey him.” 


When they heard this, they became infuriated and wanted to put them to death.

 

Responsorial Psalm • Psalm 34
“The Lord hears the cry of the poor.” or “Alleluia.”

 

Gospel • John 3:31-36 
The one who comes from above is above all. The one who is of the earth is earthly and speaks of earthly things. But the one who comes from heaven is above all. He testifies to what he has seen and heard, but no one accepts his testimony. Whoever does accept his testimony certifies that God is trustworthy. For the one whom God sent speaks the words of God. He does not ration his gift of the Spirit. The Father loves the Son and has given everything over to him. Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever disobeys the Son will not see life, but the wrath of God remains upon him.

Source: “366 Days with the Lord 2024.” St. Paul’s, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 632-895-9701; E-mail: [email protected]; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.
 

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REFLECTIONS 366 Days with the Lord
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