All Make Mistakes

 

“Let the one among you 

who is without sin 

be the first to throw 

a stone at her.” 

(John 8:7)

Everyone makes mistakes, no one is without fault. All of us have our own imperfections. It is important to first look at ourselves before passing judgment on others. Like Jesus, we should offer compassion and forgiveness instead of harsh judgment. Let us be less judgmental and more understanding of the people around us. Let us treat others with the same grace and forgiveness that we would hope to receive ourselves.

In the mirror of life, we all see,

Imperfections in you and me.

Mistakes made, none stand tall,

In God's eyes, we all fall.

Before we judge, let's introspect,

Our own faults, we must detect.

Like Jesus, with love so vast,

Let's forgive the past.

Compassion, a balm for the soul,

In forgiveness, we find our role.

Harsh judgment, let's put aside,

In understanding, let's confide.

Less judgmental, more aware,

Let's show others that we care.

With grace and forgiveness, let's lead,

Planting understanding's seed.

For the grace we hope to receive,

In forgiveness, we must believe.

In this dance of give and take,

A kinder world together, we make.

Dear Lord Jesus,

We acknowledge that everyone makes mistakes, and no one is without fault. We all have our own imperfections. Help us to first look at ourselves before passing judgment on others.

Like You, Lord Jesus, help us to offer compassion and forgiveness instead of harsh judgment. Let us be less judgmental and more understanding of the people around us.

Help us to treat others with the same grace and forgiveness that we would hope to receive ourselves. May Your love and mercy guide us in our interactions with others.

In Your holy name, we pray. Amen.

Pericope:

II: The Book of Signs

A WOMAN CAUGHT IN ADULTERY

John 8:1-11

Gospel Acclamation

I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked man, says the Lord, but rather in his conversion that he may live.

Gospel | John 8:1-11

1 Jesus went to the Mount of Olives. 2 But early in the morning he arrived again in the temple area, and all the people started coming to him, and he sat down and taught them. 3 Then the scribes and the Pharisees brought a woman who had been caught in adultery and made her stand in the middle. 4 They said to him, “Teacher, this woman was caught in the very act of committing adultery. 5 Now in the law, Moses commanded us to stone such women. So what do you say?” 6 They said this to test him, so that they could have some charge to bring against him. Jesus bent down and began to write on the ground with his finger. 7 But when they continued asking him, he straightened up and said to them, “Let the one among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” 8 Again he bent down and wrote on the ground. 9 And in response, they went away one by one, beginning with the elders. So he was left alone with the woman before him. 10 Then Jesus straightened up and said to her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” 11 She replied, “No one, sir.” Then Jesus said, “Neither do I condemn you. Go, and from now on do not sin any more.”

Background:

The passage you’ve shared is from the Gospel of John in the Bible, specifically John 8:1-11. This is the story of the woman caught in adultery.

In this story, the scribes and Pharisees bring a woman caught in adultery to Jesus, testing Him by asking if they should stone her as Moses commanded in the law. Jesus responds by saying, “Let the one among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” When they hear this, they leave one by one, starting with the elders. Finally, Jesus is left alone with the woman. He asks her if anyone has condemned her. When she says no, Jesus tells her that He does not condemn her either and instructs her to go and sin no more.

This story is often interpreted as a demonstration of Jesus’s compassion and forgiveness, as well as a challenge to those who were quick to judge others while ignoring their own sins. Is there a specific aspect of this passage you would like to discuss or learn more about?

Reflection Source

Conversation with Copilot

Division Because of Christ

Does not Scripture say 

that the Christ will be 

of David’s family and come

from Bethlehem, the village 

where David lived?” 

So a division occurred 

in the crowd because of Him. 

(John 7:42-43)

Everyone has their own unique experiences, insights, varying perspectives and different opinions. It is important to first seek the truth and not rush to harsh judgment. Let us trust in God’s protection in providing us the strength and courage to stand up for justice even when it’s difficult and unpopular. This is the true meaning and value of understanding and empathy.

In the tapestry of life, each thread unique,

Experiences varied, insights we seek.

Perspectives differ, opinions wide,

In the quest for truth, let none hide.

Rush not to judgment, harsh and blind,

Seek first to understand, with open mind.

For in each heart, a story untold,

In every spirit, courage bold.

Trust in the divine, in protection vast,

Strength and courage for challenges vast.

Standing for justice, when it's tough,

In unpopular paths, showing love is enough.

Understanding, empathy, values so true,

In every interaction, in all we do.

This is the essence, the core, the theme,

In the grand symphony of life, it's the dream.

Dear Lord Jesus,

We acknowledge that everyone has their own unique experiences, insights, varying perspectives, and different opinions. We understand the importance of seeking the truth and not rushing to harsh judgment.

We pray for Your divine guidance in our quest for truth and understanding. Help us to listen with open hearts and minds, to respect the diversity of experiences and perspectives we encounter.

We trust in Your protection, Lord. We ask for Your strength and courage to stand up for justice, even when it's difficult and unpopular. We know that with You by our side, we can face any challenge.

Help us to truly understand and empathize with others, to see the world through their eyes, and to love as You love us. This, we believe, is the true meaning and value of understanding and empathy.

In Your holy name, we pray. Amen.

Pericope:

II: The Book of Signs

DISCUSSION ABOUT THE ORIGINS OF THE MESSIAH

John 7:40-53

Gospel Acclamation

Blessed are they who have kept the word with a generous heart and yield a harvest through perseverance.

Gospel | John 7:40-53

40 Some in the crowd who heard these words of Jesus said, “This is truly the Prophet.” 41 Others said, “This is the Christ.” But others said, “The Christ will not come from Galilee, will he? 42 Does not Scripture say that the Christ will be of David’s family and come from Bethlehem, the village where David lived?” 43 So a division occurred in the crowd because of him. 44 Some of them even wanted to arrest him, but no one laid hands on him. 45 So the guards went to the chief priests and Pharisees, who asked them, “Why did you not bring him?” 46 The guards answered, “Never before has anyone spoken like this one.” 47 So the Pharisees answered them, “Have you also been deceived? 48 Have any of the authorities or the Pharisees believed in him? 49 But this crowd, which does not know the law, is accursed.” 50 Nicodemus, one of their members who had come to him earlier, said to them, 51 “Does our law condemn a man before it first hears him and finds out what he is doing?” 52 They answered and said to him, “You are not from Galilee also, are you? Look and see that no prophet arises from Galilee.” 53 Then each went to his own house.

Published:

March 16, 2024, 6:58 PM

God Sent

 

“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.” 

(John 7:28-29)

God's timing, rather than human expectations, should guide our decisions. It is important to discern the truth and not let doubt overshadow our faith. Let us stand firm in our beliefs and trust in God's plan for our lives.

I walk beneath the boundless sky, 

Carried by the whispered light,

 A voice within, so deep, so high, 

Guiding me in truth and right.

I know Him—His hand unseen, 

Yet carved within the heart of all,

Love divine, both pure and keen, 

Answering my silent call.

From Him I came, His breath my fire, 

His purpose etched upon my soul, 

Not by chance nor earthly desire, 

But sent to serve and make Him whole.

I go, though shadows rise ahead, 

Yet fear can never claim my way, 

For He who sends shall always tread 

Beside me, never far astray.

Lord Jesus, 

I know You, for You have revealed Yourself to me. You are the light that guides my path, The truth that anchors my soul. 

From You I have come, fashioned by Your love, called to walk in Your ways, and to trust in Your divine plan. You have sent me forth, Lord, to love as You have loved, to serve as You have served, to proclaim Your name in faith and surrender.

Strengthen me, O Savior, when doubt clouds my heart, when fear grips my soul, Let Your presence be my peace. May I live each day knowing You more, Walking with You always, Till the day I stand before You, and hear Your voice calling me home.

Amen.

Pericope:

II: The Book of Signs

THE FEAST OF TABERNACLES

John 7:25-30

Gospel Acclamation

One does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes forth from the mouth of God.

Gospel | John 7:1-2, 10, 25-30

1 Jesus moved about within Galilee; but he did not wish to travel in Judea, because the Jews were trying to kill him. 2 But the Jewish feast of Tabernacles was near. 10 But when his brothers had gone up to the feast, he himself also went up, not openly but as it were in secret. 25 Some of the inhabitants of Jerusalem said, “Is he not the one they are trying to kill? 26 And look, he is speaking openly and they say nothing to him. Could the authorities have realized that he is the Christ? 27 But we know where he is from. When the Christ comes, no one will know where he is from.” 28 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. 29 I know him, because I am from him, and he sent me.” 30 So they tried to arrest him, but no one laid a hand upon him, because his hour had not yet come.

Reflection Source:

Conversation with Copilot

Works of Jesus

 

"The works 

that the Father 

gave me to accomplish, 

these works that I perform 

testify on my behalf that 

the Father has sent me." 

(John 5:36)

Jesus speaks about the witnesses that testify to His authority and mission. He acknowledges that if He were to testify about Himself without external validation, it wouldn't be credible. His testimony is supported by the witness of John the Baptist, His works, God the Father, and the Scriptures.

Those who truly seek God will recognize Jesus through the Scriptures and the works He performs. Jesus tells the religious leaders that the very Scriptures they study point to Him, yet they fail to accept Him. We should approach the Word of God with an open heart and a desire to truly understand its message.

Many people are more concerned with receiving honor from others rather than seeking the truth that comes from God. This serves as a reminder for us to prioritize divine truth over worldly recognition.

Overall, Jesus encourages us to trust the evidence given by God, focus on seeking His truth rather than human praise, and recognize Him as the fulfillment of Scripture.

The works I do, they shine with grace, 

A witness strong, a holy trace. 

Each step I take, each word I say, 

Reveals the Father's guiding way.

His hands have shaped the path I tread, 

His voice, the truth my heart has spread. 

Not mine alone, but His decree, 

A call to faith for all to see.

The blind now see, the lost are found, 

His mercy speaks where love abounds. 

Each healing touch, each act of light, 

Proclaims His power, pure and bright.

So let the doubters pause and know, 

His presence in these works does glow. 

For what I do is not my own, 

But proof that I am sent and known.

Lord Jesus, 

You were sent by the Father, And the works You have done proclaim His truth. Through Your hands, the blind see, Through Your voice, the lost find their way. You fulfill the mission set before You, A perfect testament of divine love.

Lord, let me recognize Your works in my life. Open my heart to Your presence, That I may see Your hand at work in the simple and the extraordinary. Help me to trust in Your calling, to walk the path You have set for me, and to glorify the Father in all I do.

May my life be a witness to Your truth, Reflecting Your grace and mercy, so that others may see and believe. Lord Jesus, strengthen my faith, guide my steps, and fill me with the courage to follow You wholeheartedly.

Amen.

Pericope:

The Book of Signs

WITNESSES TO JESUS

John 5:31-47

Gospel Acclamation

God so loved the word that he gave his only-begotten Son, so that everyone who believes in him might have eternal life.

Gospel | John 5:31-47

31 Jesus said to the Jews: “If I testify on my own behalf, my testimony is not true. 32 But there is another who testifies on my behalf, and I know that the testimony he gives on my behalf is true. 33 You sent emissaries to John, and he testified to the truth. 34 I do not accept human testimony, but I say this so that you may be saved. 35 He was a burning and shining lamp, and for a while you were content to rejoice in his light. 36 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. 37 Moreover, the Father who sent me has testified on my behalf. But you have never heard his voice nor seen his form, 38 and you do not have his word remaining in you, because you do not believe in the one whom he has sent. 39 You search the Scriptures, because you think you have eternal life through them; even they testify on my behalf. 40 But you do not want to come to me to have life. 41 “I do not accept human praise; 42 moreover, I know that you do not have the love of God in you. 43 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. 44 How can you believe, when you accept praise from one another and do not seek the praise that comes from the only God? 45 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. 46 For if you had believed Moses, you would have believed me, because he wrote about me. 47 But if you do not believe his writings, how will you believe my words?”

Reflection Source:

Conversation with Copilot

Greater Works

 

The Father loves the Son 

and shows him everything 

that he himself does, 

and he will show him 

greater works than these, 

so that you may be amazed. 

(John 5:20)

God's work of redemption and restoration never stops. We can trust that God is always working in our lives, even when we don’t see it.

Jesus does nothing apart from the Father. He gives life and has the authority to judge. Those who do good will rise to life, but those who do evil will face condemnation. Let us seek His grace to live in righteousness according to His teachings. Our salvation comes through faith in Him.

The Father’s love, so vast and bright, 

Guides the Son in perfect light. 

All He does, the Son can see, 

In sacred bond of unity.

He shows Him works both great and true, 

A path of light for me, for you. 

Yet greater wonders still remain, 

To leave us speechless, to amaze.

The breath of life, the healing hand, 

The mercy flowing through the land. 

In love divine, their will is one, 

A gift of grace through Christ the Son.

So stand in awe, lift up your eyes, 

The Father’s works will yet arise. 

Believe, rejoice, in Him abide, 

For love and truth walk side by side.

Lord Jesus, 

I stand in awe of Your love, a love so deep, so perfect. The Father has revealed to You His great works, And through You, He has shown us wonders beyond measure.

You bring life to the weary, hope to the broken, And Your truth shines like the morning sun. May I never turn away from Your voice, But listen and follow in faithful surrender.

Reveal to me, O Lord, Your greater works, That I may be amazed at Your glory. Open my heart to trust in Your divine plan, For in You, all things are made new.

I honor You, Lord Jesus, as the Son of the Living God, Sent to bring salvation and eternal life. May 

Your will be done in me, As I walk in Your love and grace. 

Amen.

Pericope:

II: The Book of Signs

CURE ON A SABBATH/THE WORK OF THE SON

John 5:1-18 / 19-30

Gospel Acclamation

I am the resurrection and the life, says the Lord; whoever believes in me will never die.

Gospel | John 5:17-30

17 Jesus answered the Jews: “My Father is at work until now, so I am at work.” 18 For this reason they tried all the more to kill him, because he not only broke the sabbath but he also called God his own father, making himself equal to God. 19 Jesus answered and said to them, “Amen, amen, I say to you, a son cannot do anything on his own, but only what he sees his Father doing; for what he does, the Son will do also. 20 For the Father loves the Son and shows him everything that he himself does, and he will show him greater works than these, so that you may be amazed. 21 For just as the Father raises the dead and gives life, so also does the Son give life to whomever he wishes. 22 Nor does the Father judge anyone, but he has given all judgment to his Son, 23 so that all may honor the Son just as they honor the Father. Whoever does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent him. 24 Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes in the one who sent me has eternal life and will not come to condemnation, but has passed from death to life. 25 Amen, amen, I say to you, the hour is coming and is now here when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear will live. 26 For just as the Father has life in himself, so also he gave to his Son the possession of life in himself. 27 And he gave him power to exercise judgment, because he is the Son of Man. 28 Do not be amazed at this, because the hour is coming in which all who are in the tombs will hear his voice 29 and will come out, those who have done good deeds to the resurrection of life, but those who have done wicked deeds to the resurrection of condemnation. 30 “I cannot do anything on my own; I judge as I hear, and my judgment is just, because I do not seek my own will but the will of the one who sent me.” 

Reflection Source:

Conversation with Copilot

Walk with Jesus

 

“Rise, 

take up your mat, 

and walk.” 

(John 5:8)

In today’s gospel, Jesus shows immense compassion by healing the man, demonstrating His care for those who suffer and His willingness to intervene even when others might overlook the need. Like Jesus, we should prioritize compassion over strict legalism, placing love and mercy above rigid rules. Let our faith in the Lord bring about healing for us and for others.

Amid the stillness by the pool, 

Where hope and doubt collide and duel, 

A voice breaks through the aching air, 

A call to rise—to faith, to dare.

"Rise," He says, "take up your mat, 

And walk away from where you sat. 

No chains remain, no burden binds, 

Your healing lives within your mind."

Years of waiting, sorrow's weight, 

Are lifted now—love shifts your fate. 

Steps once forgotten find their way, 

To paths where promise lights the day.

From brokenness to life's embrace, 

God's mercy fills the empty space. 

No longer trapped, the man awakes, 

With every stride, new life he takes.

Lord Jesus, 

You are the source of healing and hope, the lifter of burdens, the giver of life. As You spoke to the man by the pool, so speak to us now: "Rise, take up your mat, and walk."

Grant us the courage to step forward in faith, even when doubts and fears weigh us down. Help us leave behind the places of complacency and despair and walk boldly into the light of Your promises.

We bring to You the wounds of our hearts, the struggles of our souls, And the burdens we have carried for too long. Heal us, Lord—not only in body, but in spirit, that we may walk in newness of life, a testimony to Your grace.

Guide our steps, Lord, in paths of righteousness and love, that we may glorify You in all we do. Teach us to trust in Your perfect timing and unfailing compassion. And may our faith in You be a beacon to others who seek Your peace.

In Your holy and precious name, we pray. Amen

Pericope:

II: The Book of Signs

CURE ON A SABBATH

John 5:1-18

Gospel Acclamation

A clean heart create for me, O God; give me back the joy of your salvation.

Gospel | John 5:1-16

1There was a feast of the Jews, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. 2 Now there is in Jerusalem at the Sheep Gate a pool called in Hebrew Bethesda, with five porticoes. 3 In these lay a large number of ill, blind, lame, and crippled. 4-5 One man was there who had been ill for thirty-eight years. 6 When Jesus saw him lying there and knew that he had been ill for a long time, he said to him, “Do you want to be well?” 7 The sick man answered him, “Sir, I have no one to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up; while I am on my way, someone else gets down there before me.” 8 Jesus said to him, “Rise, take up your mat, and walk.” 9 Immediately the man became well, took up his mat, and walked. Now that day was a sabbath. 10 So the Jews said to the man who was cured, “It is the sabbath, and it is not lawful for you to carry your mat.” 11 He answered them, “The man who made me well told me, ‘Take up your mat and walk.’” 12 They asked him, “Who is the man who told you, ‘Take it up and walk’?” 13 The man who was healed did not know who it was, for Jesus had slipped away, since there was a crowd there. 14 After this Jesus found him in the temple area and said to him, “Look, you are well; do not sin anymore, so that nothing worse may happen to you.” 15 The man went and told the Jews that Jesus was the one who had made him well. 16 Therefore, the Jews began to persecute Jesus because he did this on a sabbath.

Reflection Source:

Conversation with Copilot

True Faith

 

“You may go; 

your son will live.” 

(John 4:50)

God's power transcends human boundaries like distance and time. We should be persistent in prayer, always seeking God’s guidance in our daily living. Let us demonstrate our true faith by trusting Jesus' word without needing visible proof and believe in God's promises, even when we don't immediately see the results. Our faith can have a ripple effect on those around us.

"You may go; your son will live," 

A promise so firm, a gift to give. 

No touch required, no glance exchanged, 

But faith unlocked what was arranged.

A father’s plea, a heart so fraught, 

In Jesus’ words, his hope was caught. 

No sign, no proof, yet trust so true, 

Believing life would spring anew.

Miles away, a miracle stirred,

A healing wrought by spoken word. 

Through faith alone, love's power revealed, 

A family’s joy, forever sealed.

"You may go; your son will live," 

In every heart, this truth forgive. 

Believe the word, though eyes may not see, 

And find the grace that sets us free.

Lord Jesus, 

Your words bring life, healing, and hope. Like the father who trusted in Your promise, Help me to have faith in Your divine power, Even when I cannot see the outcome.

When I am troubled or filled with doubt, Remind me of Your unfailing love. Speak to my heart and guide my steps, That I may trust in You with all my being.

Lord, I place my cares and those I love Into Your hands, where healing flows. Let my faith inspire others, as the father’s faith Brought his family to believe in You.

Thank You for Your grace, mercy, and peace, For in You, we find life everlasting. Amen.

Pericope:

II: The Book of Signs

RETURN TO GALILEE / SECOND SIGN AT CANA

John 4:43-45 / 46-54

Gospel Acclamation

Seek good and not evil so that you may live, and the Lord will be with you.

Gospel | John 4:43-54

43 At that time Jesus left [Samaria] for Galilee. 44 For Jesus himself testified that a prophet has no honor in his native place. 45 When he came into Galilee, the Galileans welcomed him, since they had seen all he had done in Jerusalem at the feast; for they themselves had gone to the feast. 46 Then he returned to Cana in Galilee, where he had made the water wine. Now there was a royal official whose son was ill in Capernaum. 47 When he heard that Jesus had arrived in Galilee from Judea, he went to him and asked him to come down and heal his son, who was near death. 48 Jesus said to him, “Unless you people see signs and wonders, you will not believe.” 49 The royal official said to him, “Sir, come down before my child dies.” 50 Jesus said to him, “You may go; your son will live.” The man believed what Jesus said to him and left. 51 While the man was on his way back, his slaves met him and told him that his boy would live. 52 He asked them when he began to recover. They told him, “The fever left him yesterday, about one in the afternoon.” 53 The father realized that just at that time Jesus had said to him, “Your son will live,” and he and his whole household came to believe. 54 Now this was the second sign Jesus did when he came to Galilee from Judea.

Reflection Source:

Conversation with Copilot