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A Reflection on John 5: 19-47

“The Son can do nothing of his own accord, but only what he sees the Father doing.”

Consumed with jealousy and confusion, the religious leaders of Jerusalem are incredulous at Jesus’ words and actions.  Not only did he heal and command a man to carry his mat on the Sabbath, but he called God his Father.

So, He answers their incredulity, seeing their stony hearts and desiring more than anything to turn those hearts to flesh: Dear heart of stone, I know that I am not what you expected.  I know that the unexpected can sometimes bring you great fear.  Having given in to hopelessness, you have turned your heart over to trust only in what you can see and feel and measure. But I can give you so much more than that.  I can give you life. The kind of life that makes your stony heart turn to flesh. And it will swell with joy and peace and anticipation of the glory of God.  “For as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, so also the Son gives life to whom he will.” (v 21) I do not do this on my own authority, although that would be enough.  My witnesses are John, the great works you have seen me do, the voice of the Father, the scriptures, even Moses himself, “for he wrote of me.” Is this not enough for you? Dear heart, “do not be faithless, but believing.” (Jn 20:27)

The Father has sent the Son to give life.  Do I believe? Do I accept the gift of Jesus Himself, the gift of life that He gives?

My Father, thank you for the gift of life, thank you for the Gift of your Son.  With all my heart, I accept this Gift and ask you to make my heart a heart of flesh, so that it may beat in rhythm with the heartbeat of Love.

Scripture quotations are from The Catholic Edition of the Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright ©1965, 1966 National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America.  Used by permission.  All rights reserved worldwide.