[ Today's Readings ]
But the one who comes from heaven is above all.
He testifies to what he has seen and heard,
but no one accepts his testimony.
Why do we have trouble accepting what you have to tell us, Jesus? You speak the truth that sets us free. You speak the fullness of truth. Yet we plug our ears to it.
“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.”
We're afraid of what it means for us. We're afraid to admit responsibility for your blood Jesus. The problem is we can't just accept some of your truth. We have to accept all of it.
Whoever does accept his testimony certifies that God is trustworthy.
But you remind us that you are not here to condemn us, LORD. Even when we admit to being responsible for your blood it is only so that you can save us and give us eternal life. Because of this, you hold nothing back. You tell us the whole truth and not the sanitized or edited version.
For the one whom God sent speaks the words of God.
He does not ration his gift of the Spirit.
You do this so that we can be filled with this truth and receive repentance, forgiveness of sins, and salvation. You refuse to compromise and pour out only some of you Spirit. You give us all you have.
We are witnesses of these things,
as is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey him.
Just as you hold nothing back, LORD, you command us to tell the world "everything about this life". Give us the grace to know the gift of the Spirit beyond measure. Give us the grace to share the gift.
I will bless the LORD at all times;
his praise shall be ever in my mouth.
Taste and see how good the LORD is;
blessed the man who takes refuge in him.
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