Thursday of the Fourth Week
As we go through our daily lives, it is easy to have our focus turn inward and downward. However, our proper orientation should be outward and upward. We should think beyond ourselves and order ourselves towards God. In today’s Gospel, Jesus asks us, "How can you believe, when you accept praise from one another and do not accept the praise that comes from the Only God?" (John 5:44) We often seek to satisfy our own will and the will of others over and against attempting to satisfy the will of God. We seek to get right with our fellow man rather than getting right with God.
There is nothing wrong with praising one another, but it should be in recognition of the presence of God in others. Human praise is often not a good guide to what is right and wrong. Praise that is based on worldly matters and values keep us looking inward and encourages sin. The praises that we give and receive should be directed towards fulfillment of the will of God.
Prayer
Dear Lord, during this Lenten season, help us to reject the temptation of worldly praise. May we praise You for Your perfect goodness and seek to listen You to guide our words, actions, and values. Amen.
Ben Newbury, ’23
Psalm 106:19-23
Gospel: John 5:31-47
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