The Father loves the Son
and has given everything over to Him.
(John 3:35)
The Father loves the Son and has placed all things in His hands. Jesus, who comes from above, is above all. His divine origin and His authority is over all creation. He testifies to what He has seen and heard in heaven. His teachings are not of human origin but come directly from God. Our eternal destiny hinges on believing in Jesus. These lessons emphasize the importance of recognizing Jesus’ divine origin, understanding His message, acknowledging His authority, and the crucial role of faith in Him for eternal life. It’s a call to not only believe in Jesus but also to obey His teachings. This passage underscores the significance of Jesus in the Christian faith and the implications of belief and disbelief in Him.
31 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. 32 He testifies to what he has seen and heard, but no one accepts his testimony. 33 Whoever does accept his testimony certifies that God is trustworthy. 34 For the one whom God sent speaks the words of God. He does not ration his gift of the Spirit. 35 The Father loves the Son and has given everything over to him. 36 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. (John 3:31-36)
In the realm where divine love expands, the Father places all in the Son's hands. From above descends Jesus, the celestial dove, His origin divine, His authority above. Above all creation, His power does tower, testifying of heavenly visions each hour. His teachings, not of man, but of God's own voice, belief in Him shapes our eternal choice. Lessons of faith, in His name we immerse, recognizing His divinity, the universe's verse. Understanding His message, His authority we confess, in Him, we find life, in disbelief, distress. Not just belief, but obedience too, His teachings guide us, in all that we do. The Christian faith, in Jesus, finds its core, belief and disbelief, eternal implications bore.
Dear Lord Jesus, we acknowledge that You are the Son of the Father, loved and exalted above all. We recognize that all things have been placed in Your hands, signifying Your supreme authority over all creation. We understand that You come from above, and therefore, You are above all. Your divine origin and authority are unquestionable. You testify to what You have seen and heard in heaven, and Your teachings are not of human origin but come directly from God. We are reminded that our eternal destiny hinges on believing in You. We are called not only to believe in You but also to obey Your teachings. We understand the crucial role of faith in You for eternal life. We pray for the grace to recognize Your divine origin, understand Your message, and acknowledge Your authority. We ask for the strength to live out our faith in You, obeying Your teachings, and sharing Your love with others. We understand the significance of belief and disbelief in You, and we choose to believe. We choose to follow You, Lord Jesus, for in You we find eternal life. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.
Jesus’ death is the pathway into new life of repentance and renewal. We must obey God rather than any human authority. Partial obedience is equivalent to absolute disobedience in God’s eyes. We must be careful not only to avoid committing sins ourselves, but also to avoid supporting or condoning sinful actions in others. It’s not just the person who commits a sin who is guilty, but also those who approve and support it. These lessons remind us of the importance of integrity, full obedience to God, and the power of God’s forgiveness and renewal. They challenge us to examine our own lives and actions, and to strive to live in accordance with God’s commands.
27 When the court officers had brought the Apostles in and made them stand before the Sanhedrin, the high priest questioned them, 28 “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.” 29 But Peter and the Apostles said in reply, “We must obey God rather than men. 30 The God of our ancestors raised Jesus, though you had him killed by hanging him on a tree. 31 God exalted him at his right hand as leader and savior to grant Israel repentance and forgiveness of sins. 32 We are witnesses of these things, as is the Holy Spirit that God has given to those who obey him.” 33 When they heard this, they became infuriated and wanted to put them to death. (Acts 5:27-33)
In the shadow of the cross, a new path unfurls, Jesus' death, a gateway, as a new life whirls.A life of repentance, renewal in His name, a chance to start over, no longer the same. "We must obey God," the apostles declare, over any human authority, they dare. For partial obedience, in God's eyes, is no different from deceit and lies. Beware the sin that in your heart resides, and the sin in others that in plain sight hides. For guilt lies not only in the act, but also in supporting the sinful pact. These lessons remind us, in every hour, of integrity's importance, its empowering power. Full obedience to God, a non-negotiable demand, in the face of temptation, we must firmly stand. The power of God's forgiveness, so pure and divine, offers renewal, in His love we intertwine. Challenging us to examine our actions and thoughts, to live by God's commands, as Jesus taught.
Dear Heavenly Father, we acknowledge that Jesus' death is the pathway into a new life of repentance and renewal. We are grateful for the sacrifice He made, which allows us to experience Your forgiveness and love. Help us, Lord, to obey You rather than any human authority. Give us the courage to stand firm in our faith, even when faced with opposition or challenges. Remind us that partial obedience is equivalent to absolute disobedience in Your eyes. Guide us, Father, to avoid not only committing sins ourselves, but also supporting or condoning sinful actions in others. Let us remember that it's not just the person who commits a sin who is guilty, but also those who approve and support it. These lessons remind us of the importance of integrity, full obedience to You, and the power of Your forgiveness and renewal. They challenge us to examine our own lives and actions, and to strive to live in accordance with Your commands. As we navigate through life, help us to reflect Your love and righteousness in all that we do. May our actions bring glory to Your name and draw others closer to You. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
God hears the cries of the righteous and delivers them from their troubles. The righteous may face many troubles, but God in His protective nature and His promise delivers His people from their afflictions. This shows God’s compassion and responsiveness to those who are suffering. Fear of the Lord doesn’t mean to be afraid of God, but to have a deep respect and reverence for Him. Those who fear the Lord lack nothing, indicating that God provides for those who honor Him. Take pride in God’s goodness and openly express our admiration for Him. These lessons remind us of the importance of boasting in the Lord, fearing Him, trusting in His deliverance, and believing in His protection. They challenge us to live a life of righteousness and to trust in God’s promises during times of trouble.
2 I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall be ever in my mouth. 9 Taste and see how good the Lord is; blessed the man who takes refuge in him. 17 The Lord confronts the evildoers, to destroy remembrance of them from the earth. 18 When the just cry out, the Lord hears them, and from all their distress he rescues them. 19 The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; and those who are crushed in spirit he saves. 20 Many are the troubles of the just man, but out of them all the Lord delivers him. (Psalm 34:2, 9, 17-18, 19-20)
In the quiet whispers of the night, in the roaring storms of life's plight, God hears the cries of the righteous, pure, delivers them from troubles, of this we're sure. The righteous may face many a trial, yet, God's promise stands, crossing every mile. His protective nature, a comforting shroud, delivers His people, making them proud. In suffering's face, His compassion shows, a responsive God, who all our troubles knows. Fear not the Lord in terror or fright, but in deep respect, in His holy might. Those who fear Him lack nothing, it's true, God provides for those whose respect is due. Take pride in His goodness, let your praises ring, openly express admiration for our King. These lessons remind us, in every stride, to boast in the Lord, let Him be our guide. Fear Him, trust Him, in His protection believe, live righteously, and His promises you'll receive. In times of trouble, trust in His word, for the cries of the righteous, they are heard. This challenge we accept, as we journey along, living a life that to God belongs.
Dear Heavenly Father, we acknowledge that You hear the cries of the righteous and deliver them from their troubles. We recognize that the righteous may face many troubles, but You, in Your protective nature and promise, deliver Your people from their afflictions. This shows Your compassion and responsiveness to those who are suffering. Help us to understand that fear of the Lord doesn't mean to be afraid of You, but to have a deep respect and reverence for You. Remind us that those who fear You lack nothing, indicating that You provide for those who honor You. Guide us to take pride in Your goodness and to openly express our admiration for You. These lessons remind us of the importance of boasting in You, fearing You, trusting in Your deliverance, and believing in Your protection. They challenge us to live a life of righteousness and to trust in Your promises during times of trouble. As we navigate through life, help us to reflect Your love and righteousness in all that we do. May our actions bring glory to Your name and draw others closer to You. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
Pericope:
Gospel
II: The Book of Signs
THE ONE FROM HEAVEN
John 3:31-36
First Reading
II: The Mission in Jerusalem
TRIAL BEFORE THE SANHEDRIN
Acts 5:17-42
Responsorial Psalm
First Book of Psalms 1-41
THANKSGIVING TO GOD WHO DELIVERS THE JUST
Psalm 34:1-23
Reflection Source:
Copilot
