An eyewitness has testified, and his testimony is true;
he knows that he is speaking the truth,
so that you also may come to believe.
(John 19:35)
The piercing of Jesus’ side, from which flowed blood and water, symbolizes the outpouring of God’s love and the sacrifice of Jesus for humanity’s salvation. Despite being the Son of God, Jesus humbly submitted to the will of the Father, even unto death. This teaches us the importance of humility and obedience in our spiritual journey. Let us trust in God’s promises, knowing that He is faithful to fulfill them. Even in the face of adversity, we should be steadfast and bold in our faith, and bear witness to the truth of Christ in our own lives.
31 Since it was preparation day, in order that the bodies might not remain on the cross on the sabbath, for the sabbath day of that week was a solemn one, the Jews asked Pilate that their legs be broken and they be taken down. 32 So the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first and then of the other one who was crucified with Jesus. 33 But when they came to Jesus and saw that he was already dead, they did not break his legs, 34 but one soldier thrust his lance into his side, and immediately blood and water flowed out. 35 An eyewitness has testified, and his testimony is true; he knows that he is speaking the truth, so that you also may come to believe. 36 For this happened so that the Scripture passage might be fulfilled: Not a bone of it will be broken. 37 And again another passage says: They will look upon him whom they have pierced. (John 19:31-37)
From His side, a river flowed, blood and water, love bestowed. Symbol of a sacrifice divine, God's love for us, forever enshrined. Son of God, yet humble in heart, to the Father's will, He did impart. Unto death, His obedience did span, a lesson of humility for every woman and man. In our journey, as we tread, by His example, we are led. Humility and obedience, our guide, in His footsteps, we confide. God's promises, a beacon bright, guiding us through the darkest night. Faithful to fulfill, He stands, holding us in His mighty hands. Even when adversity is nigh, our faith in Him, we amplify. Bold and steadfast, we remain, in His love, we are sustained. Witness to the truth of Christ we bear, His love and grace, we openly share. In our lives, His truth resounds, in His love, we are profoundly found.
Dear Lord Jesus, we come before You, acknowledging the symbol of Your love and sacrifice. The piercing of Your side, from which flowed blood and water, is a powerful reminder of the depth of Your love and the extent of Your sacrifice for our salvation. Despite being the Son of God, You humbly submitted to the will of the Father, even unto death. This teaches us the importance of humility and obedience in our spiritual journey. Help us to follow Your example, to submit to the Father's will with a humble heart, and to obey His commandments faithfully. We trust in Your promises, knowing that You are faithful to fulfill them. Even in the face of adversity, help us to be steadfast and bold in our faith. May we bear witness to the truth of Your love and sacrifice in our own lives. In Your Holy name, we pray. Amen.
God’s deep and unconditional love for us remains steadfast despite our disobedience and rebellion. It is never too late to return to God and seek His forgiveness. Even though God has the right to enact justice, His love and mercy always prevail, ready to forgive us of our sins. This encourages us to find a balance between justice and mercy in our own dealings with others. We should be patient and understanding with those who may not always meet our expectations.
1 Thus says the Lord: When Israel was a child I loved him, out of Egypt I called my son. 3 Yet it was I who taught Ephraim to walk, who took them in my arms; 4 I drew them with human cords, with bands of love; I fostered them like one who raises an infant to his cheeks; Yet, though I stooped to feed my child, they did not know that I was their healer. 8 My heart is overwhelmed; my pity is stirred. 9 I will not give vent to my blazing anger, I will not destroy Ephraim again; For I am God and not man, the Holy One present among you; I will not let the flames consume you. (Hosea 11:1, 3-4, 8-9)
In the realm where divine love resides, steadfast and deep, it forever abides. Despite our rebellion, our disobedient ways, God's love for us never sways. In the face of our sins, so vast, remember, it's never too late to recast. To return to God, seek His grace, find forgiveness in His embrace. Justice is His, He holds the right, yet mercy prevails, in His sight. Ready to forgive, to wipe our slate clean, such love, in this world, has rarely been seen. In our dealings, let's balance the scales, between justice and mercy, love prevails. Let's learn from God, let's understand, to be patient, with an open hand. For those who may falter, who may not meet, our expectations, let's not admit defeat. Instead, let's remember, in every interaction, God's love and mercy, our guiding action.
Dear Heavenly Father, we come before You, acknowledging Your deep and unconditional love for us. Despite our disobedience and rebellion, Your love remains steadfast. We are humbled by Your enduring patience and mercy. We confess our sins and shortcomings, knowing that it is never too late to return to You. We seek Your forgiveness, trusting in Your promise that Your love and mercy always prevail. Even when justice is warranted, You are ready to forgive us of our sins. Help us, Lord, to find a balance between justice and mercy in our own dealings with others. Just as You are patient with us, let us be patient and understanding with those who may not always meet our expectations. May we reflect Your love in our lives, showing the same kindness and forgiveness to others that You have shown us. Guide us in our journey, that we may grow closer to You each day. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
We can rely on God in all circumstances, trusting in His power and love. No matter what challenges we face, we can always turn to God for deliverance. Let us always be thankful for God’s blessings, rejoice in His love and mercy, acknowledge God’s goodness, and express our gratitude through praise and worship. We should stand as living witnesses to God's divine love and mercy by sharing our faith and testifying about God’s work in our lives.
2 God indeed is my savior; I am confident and unafraid. My strength and my courage is the Lord, and he has been my savior. 3 With joy you will draw water at the fountain of salvation. 4 Give thanks to the Lord, acclaim his name; among the nations make known his deeds, proclaim how exalted is his name. 5 Sing praise to the Lord for his glorious achievement; let this be known throughout all the earth. 6 Shout with exultation, O city of Zion, for great in your midst is the Holy One of Israel! (Isaiah 12:2-3, 4, 5-6)
In every circumstance, in every strife, we rely on God, the source of life. His power and love, our trusty shield, in His divine presence, our fears are healed. Challenges may come, as waves on a shore, but with God as our guide, we fear no more. For deliverance comes, like dawn's first light, when we turn to God, in the darkest night. Blessings abound, like stars in the sky, for God's love and mercy, ever nigh. Rejoice and be thankful, let our hearts sing, acknowledging the goodness of our King. Through praise and worship, our gratitude we express, in the face of God's love, we are truly blessed. As living witnesses, let us stand, sharing our faith, across the land. Testifying of His work, His divine plan, spreading His love, to every woman and man. For God's love and mercy, so grand, is the rock on which we stand.
Dear Heavenly Father, in all circumstances, we rely on You, trusting in Your power, Your love so true. No matter the challenges that come our way, we know we can turn to You, come what may. We thank You for Your blessings, so grand, for Your deliverance, by Your mighty hand. We rejoice in Your love, Your mercy divine, acknowledging Your goodness, in our lives shine. With hearts full of gratitude, we worship You, praising Your name, in everything we do. As living witnesses, we stand, oh Lord, sharing our faith, spreading Your word. Testifying about Your work, Your grace, we seek to make the world a better place. Help us to reflect Your divine love and mercy, in our lives, let Your light be seen clearly. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
Experience and dwell in God’s love that is beyond human comprehension. Our achievements are not by our own strength, but by God’s grace. Humility is important in our spiritual journey as we seek understanding and wisdom in God’s word. We should always be bold in our faith and to trust in God’s promises. Let us pray to be strengthened, to understand God’s love, and to be filled with the fullness of God.
8 Brothers and sisters: To me, the very least of all the holy ones, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the inscrutable riches of Christ, 9 and to bring to light for all what is the plan of the mystery hidden from ages past in God who created all things, 10 so that the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known through the church to the principalities and authorities in the heavens. 11 This was according to the eternal purpose that he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord, 12 in whom we have boldness of speech and confidence of access through faith in him. 14 For this reason I kneel before the Father, 15 from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, 16 that he may grant you in accord with the riches of his glory to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in the inner self, 17 and that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, rooted and grounded in love, 18 may have strength to comprehend with all the holy ones what is the breadth and length and height and depth, 19 and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. (Ephesians 3:8-12, 14-19)
In the vast expanse of His divine affection, we dwell, a testament to love's perfection. Beyond comprehension, His love so grand, guiding us gently by His unseen hand. Not by our might, nor by power, we stand, but by His grace, on this holy land. Our achievements, a mirror of His grace, reflecting the warmth of His embrace. Humility, a beacon on our spiritual quest, in God's word, we find our rest. Seeking wisdom, seeking understanding, in His promises, we find our standing. Bold in faith, we march ahead, trust in His promises, our daily bread. In the face of trials, in the face of strife, we find strength in the Giver of Life. Let us pray, let us kneel, in His love, let us heal. To understand His love, so profound, in His fullness, may we be found.
Dear Heavenly Father, we come before You today to experience and dwell in Your love that is beyond our human comprehension. We acknowledge that our achievements are not by our own strength, but by Your grace. Humility is the cornerstone of our spiritual journey as we seek understanding and wisdom in Your word. We pray for the courage to always be bold in our faith and to trust in Your promises. We ask You to strengthen us, to help us understand Your love, and to fill us with Your fullness. May we grow in Your grace and knowledge each day, and may our lives be a testament to Your unfailing love and mercy. In Your Holy name, we pray. Amen.
Pericope:
Gospel
III: The Book of Glory
THE BLOOD AND WATER
John 19:31-37
First Reading
II: Israel's Guilt and Punishment
WHEN ISRAEL WAS A CHILD / END OF THE EXILE
Hosea 11:1-7
Psalm
II: Immanuel Prophecies
SONG OF THANKSGIVING
Isaiah 12:1-6
Second Reading
III: World Mission of the Church
COMMISSION TO PREACH GOD'S PLAN / PRAYER FOR THE READERS
Ephesians 3:1-13 /14-21
Related Blogs:
https://understanding-the-truth.blogspot.com/2024/06/speaking-truth.html
https://erosandagape-allbecauseoflove.blogspot.com/2024/06/bands-of-love.html
https://edsel-all.blogspot.com/2024/06/gods-glorious-achievement.html
https://doyoulovememorethanthis.blogspot.com/2024/06/filled-with-all-fulness-of-god.html
Reflection Source:
Conversation with Copilot
