Jesus said to the Jews: "If I testify on my own behalf, my testimony is not true. But there is another who testifies on my behalf, and I know that the testimony he gives on my behalf is true. You sent emissaries to John, and he testified to the truth. I do not accept human testimony, but I say this so that you may be saved. He 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. Moreover, the Father who sent me has testified on my behalf. But you have never heard his voice nor seen his form, and you do not have his word remaining in you, because you do not believe in the one whom he has sent. You search the Scriptures, because you think you have eternal life through them; even they testify on my behalf. But you do not want to come to me to have life. "I do not accept human praise; moreover, I know that you do not have the love of God in you. 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. How can you believe, when you accept praise from one another and do not seek the praise that comes from the only God? 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. For if you had believed Moses, you would have believed me, because he wrote about me. But if you do not believe his writings, how will you believe my words?"
REFLECTION
How can you believe, when you accept praise from one another and do not seek the praise that comes from the only God?
We all know someone who has extreme love and focus on themselves. Whether it be pride from self righteousness, conceit or because we are only too human, we all live with one. Yes, I am staring at myself and nodding "Yes".
During Lent we are called to examine ourselves in front of God, to fix our eyes on Jesus crucified and to recognize and strive to be like Him. Who are we to look upon any of God's creation and gloat about what we see and who we are? We should all tremble and be humbled as we read and live in the Word, His Passion. The Creator shares His beauty with all, His victory of the Cross.
Jesus obeyed His Father. He saved us by His obedience. He does only what He receives from the Father. I should trust God in His plan for my life, lovingly accepting everything He allows. The attitude of "I know myself," "I want what is coming to me" will surely end up in sin and possibly destruction and everlasting hell.
Do we want to come to Jesus to receive life? May we be humble to the workings of the Holy Spirit so we can be receptive to Him within us.
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