Gospel: Jn 8:21-30
Again Jesus said to them, “I am going away, and though you look for me, you will die in your sin. Where I am going you cannot
come.” The Jews wondered, “Why does he say that we can’t come where he is going? Will he kill himself?” But Jesus said, “You are
from below and I am from above; you are of this world and I am not of this world. That is why I told you that you will die in your sins.
And you shall die in your sins, unless you believe that I am He.” They asked him, “Who are you?”; and Jesus said, “Just what I have told you from the
beginning. I have much to say about you and much to condemn; but the One who sent me is truthful and everything I learned
from him, I proclaim to the world.” They didn’t understand that Jesus was speaking to them about the Father. So Jesus said, “When you have lifted up the Son of
Man, then you will know that I am He and that I do nothing of myself, but I say just what the Father taught me. He who sent me is with me and has not left me alone;
because I always do what pleases him.” As Jesus spoke like this, many believed in him.

Reflection:

Context is important in understanding what is being said. It provides
a background on which we can situate the words spoken. Without context,
we are left to our own imagination and guess work. Our interpretation
is uncertain. The people in today’s gospel doesn’t have the context to understand
what Jesus speaks. Hence, misunderstanding and confusion sets in. They keep
asking Jesus to clarify what He means. Jesus shows extraordinary patience
in accommodating these people who are slow to understand and believe.
But he persists, thus many believe in Him in the end. It always pays to be patient.

© Copyright Bible Diary 2021