3/3/2025 (Thursday) Today’s Gospel reading: John 5:31-47

31 Jesus said to the Jews: “If I testify on my own behalf, my testimony is not true.
32 But there is another who testifies on my behalf, and I know that the testimony he gives on my behalf is true.
33 You sent emissaries to John, and he testified to the truth.
34 I do not accept human testimony, but I say this so that you may be saved.
35 He was a burning and shining lamp, and for a while you were content to rejoice in his light.
36 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.
37 Moreover, the Father who sent me has testified on my behalf. But you have never heard his voice nor seen his form,
38 and you do not have his word remaining in you, because you do not believe in the one whom he has sent.
39 You search the Scriptures, because you think you have eternal life through them; even they testify on my behalf.
40 But you do not want to come to me to have life.
41 “I do not accept human praise;
42 moreover, I know that you do not have the love of God in you.
43 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.
44 How can you believe, when you accept praise from one another and do not seek the praise that comes from the only God?
45 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.
46 For if you had believed Moses, you would have believed me, because he wrote about me.
47 But if you do not believe his writings, how will you believe my words?”

3/3/2025 (Thursday) Today’s Gospel reflection / homily / sermon: John 5:31-47

Jesus speaks about the witnesses that testify to His identity as the Son of God. He tells the religious leaders that His testimony alone is not enough—there are other witnesses that confirm who He is: John the Baptist, His miraculous works, the testimony of God the Father, and the Scriptures. Yet, despite all this evidence, many still refused to believe in Him.

This passage reminds us of the importance of seeking truth, not just with our minds but with our hearts. The religious leaders were experts in the Scriptures, yet they missed the very One those Scriptures pointed to: Jesus Christ. They were more concerned with receiving honor from one another than with seeking God’s approval.

Jesus confronted the religious leaders, saying, “How can you believe since you accept glory from one another but do not seek the glory that comes from the only God?”.

How often do we fall into the same trap? We may seek validation from others through social media, achievements, or the approval of friends and colleagues. But true faith requires us to seek God’s glory above human recognition. If we focus too much on what people think, we may miss what God is saying to us.

True faith is not about impressing others; it’s about an authentic relationship with Jesus. The religious leaders had knowledge, but they lacked the humility to accept Jesus as their Lord. We must ask ourselves: Are we seeking God’s truth, or are we just looking for what fits our own desires?

Jesus told them, “You study the Scriptures diligently because you think that in them you have eternal life. These are the very Scriptures that testify about me, yet you refuse to come to me to have life.”.

Knowing the Bible is not enough> We must let it lead us to Jesus. It’s possible to read the Word but still miss the heart of God. We must not only study Scripture but also allow it to transform us. The Bible is not just a book of laws and history; it is the living Word that leads us into a deeper relationship with Christ.

Jesus reminded the people that multiple witnesses testified to Him including John the Baptist, His miracles, the Father’s voice, and the Scriptures. Today, God continues to provide witnesses in our lives. Maybe it’s a pastor, a friend, a sermon, or a personal experience that points us to Christ. Are we listening?

God is always speaking, but we must be willing to hear. Let us not be like the religious leaders who were so focused on their own ideas that they missed Jesus standing right in front of them. Instead, let us humble ourselves, seek His glory, and allow His Word to lead us to eternal life.

Prayer: Lord, help me to seek Your truth above all else. Open my heart to recognize Jesus in my life. May I not seek human praise but live for Your glory alone. Amen.

Go here to read further Gospel reflection.