FRIDAY OF THE THIRD WEEK OF ADVENT DECEMBER 16, 2022

MASS READINGS:

A reading of the holy Gospel according to Jn 5:33-36

Jesus said to the Jews: “You sent emissaries to John, and he testified to the truth. I do not accept testimony from a human being, but I say this so that you may be saved. John was a burning and shining lamp, and for a while you were content to rejoice in his light. 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.”

REFLECTION

John was a burning and shining lamp, and for a while you were content to rejoice in his light. But I have testimony greater than John’s.

Every day we make decisions and many of our decisions are made by comparing one thing with another. We choose that which is better for us. This may be in books that we read, friends we associate with, prayers said, churches, interests, jobs, schools, etc. It is natural to keep seeking and looking for what is best for us. We move on from the old and into the new.

At first, people were content with being with John the Baptist: his preaching, his personal witness, and they truly saw their lives change with the message and the baptism of repentance.

But as people were pointed to Jesus, they were happier and more joyful. The testimony of Jesus was so much better. We could see it in His testimony of the works His Father sent Him to perform. It was seen in His miracles, preaching and the fact that those who encountered Jesus also encountered His Father.

Jesus comes alive in FACE ZBS as we travel in Jesus' time with a theologian who explains the Old Testament and connects it with the New Testament, who connects what Jesus said and what the prophets said. Father Michael teaches, not preaches, and shows us how to apply Catholic Critical Thinking.

Our PAPA bible study is unique in that it is not based on how "we" interpret the Gospel reading or how we feel about it. But every word, every situation has an explanation and we go from one room of understanding to another. We are left in awe as we literally feel and hear Jesus talking and preaching. We have but to hear and then reflect. Our bible studies don't end after the session is over, but they continue to teach us as we share the videos and we share with one another what we learned. The love of the Father is revealed to us continually in the Bible: the Word of God.

Next week join us for FACE ZBS. You have to experience it first hand.

God Bless You