It is 18th March 2021. The readings are from Exodus 32:7-14; and the Gospel from John 5:31-47.
People of Israel gradually forgot all that God had done in their lives. As Moses was with God on the mountain, people were quick to create an image of a calf, and have worshipped it and sacrificed to it, and said, “These are your gods, O Israel, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt!’ (Ex.32:8).
When we become ungrateful and forgetful of goodness of God, we begin to create our own images, heroes, icons, and worship. Molten calf is a symbol of the hardness of heart of people of Israel. Moses interceded for them to the Lord. God wants to remove the heart of stone and to replace with heart of flesh. (Ez.11:19)
What are the idols we have created during this pandemic and worshiping secretly? Lent is a time to identify them and destroy all the images that make us to forget God.
A lady told a priest that she commits the sin of vanity and wanted forgiveness. She said that she stands in front of a mirror many hours and looks at her several times and adores her as the most beautiful lady walked on earth. The priest turned to the woman and said, “My dear, I have good news. That isn’t a sin – it’s only a mistake.”
The responsorial Psalm praises, “Remember us, O Lord, for the love you have for your people.” (Ps.106:4).
In the Gospel, Jesus explains about four witnesses that give Him testimony. They are John’s witness to the truth, Good works of Jesus, recognition of the Father and the Scripture. Even with all these witnesses, we still find it hard to accept Jesus as our Saviour. When we do not believe in Jesus, we find it hard to bear witness to Him. May the Lord help us to recognize the unwanted images and icons that do not allow us to bear witness to the Truth, Jesus himself. May you have a lovely day. God bless you.