Thursday of the Fourth Week

Reflection

Today’s first reading is captured well in the responsorial Psalm. The people brought out of Egypt by Moses begin to adore a molten image of a calf because they forgot the God who saved them. God told Moses that He planned to exterminate His people because of their actions, and Moses chose to plea for them and ask that God withhold His wrath. Because of Moses’ intercession, the Israelites were saved from destruction. Moses further spoke to the people about God sending a Savior who, if listened to and followed, would lead them to eternal life.

In the Gospel, we hear Jesus talking with His fellow Jews about how they listened to John the Baptist as John was preparing the way for Jesus. The Lord reminds them how they have searched the Scriptures because they think they might receive eternal life through them – yet, while they have placed their hope in Moses, John and others, they still do not accept Him who has been sent by the Father, Jesus tells them.

What are the lessons for us to consider? Do we place material things or persons ahead of God in our daily lives? Do we listen to or read the Word of God but still not receive Him, refusing to live as He has directed us? How can we learn from the errors of those we read about today so that we might be better prepared for our eternal life with God?

Prayer

Lord, help me strengthen my faith by listening more earnestly and intentionally to Your message of salvation and by receiving You on a regular basis in the sacraments that You have provided to strengthen us on our earthly journey to eternal life. Amen.

Jerry Flanagan, ’71 and P’94, P’98, P’01, P’11, Senior Philanthropic Advisor

Scripture

First Reading: Exodus 32:7-14
Psalm 106:19-23
Gospel: John 5:31-47

Daily Scripture readings can be found online at the USCCB website