Daily Readings - Thu Mar 15 2018
Exodus
7Then the LORD said to Moses, "Go down, because your people, whom you brought up out of Egypt, have become corrupt.8They have been quick to turn away from what I commanded them and have made themselves an idol cast in the shape of a calf. They have bowed down to it and sacrificed to it and have said, 'These are your gods, O Israel, who brought you up out of Egypt.'9"I have seen these people," the LORD said to Moses, "and they are a stiff-necked people.10Now leave me alone so that my anger may burn against them and that I may destroy them. Then I will make you into a great nation."11But Moses sought the favor of the LORD his God. "O LORD," he said, "why should your anger burn against your people, whom you brought out of Egypt with great power and a mighty hand?12Why should the Egyptians say, 'It was with evil intent that he brought them out, to kill them in the mountains and to wipe them off the face of the earth'? Turn from your fierce anger; relent and do not bring disaster on your people.13Remember your servants Abraham, Isaac and Israel, to whom you swore by your own self: 'I will make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and I will give your descendants all this land I promised them, and it will be their inheritance forever.'"14Then the LORD relented and did not bring on his people the disaster he had threatened.
John
18For this reason the Jews tried all the harder to kill him; not only was he breaking the Sabbath, but he was even calling God his own Father, making himself equal with God.31"If I testify about myself, my testimony is not valid.32There is another who testifies in my favor, and I know that his testimony about me is valid.33"You have sent to John and he has testified to the truth.34Not that I accept human testimony; but I mention it that you may be saved.35John was a lamp that burned and gave light, and you chose for a time to enjoy his light.36"I have testimony weightier than that of John. For the very work that the Father has given me to finish, and which I am doing, testifies that the Father has sent me.37And the Father who sent me has himself testified concerning me. You have never heard his voice nor seen his form,38nor does his word dwell in you, for you do not believe the one he sent.39You diligently study the Scriptures because you think that by them you possess eternal life. These are the Scriptures that testify about me,40yet you refuse to come to me to have life.41"I do not accept praise from men,42but I know you. I know that you do not have the love of God in your hearts.43I have come in my Father's name, and you do not accept me; but if someone else comes in his own name, you will accept him.44How can you believe if you accept praise from one another, yet make no effort to obtain the praise that comes from the only God?45"But do not think I will accuse you before the Father. Your accuser is Moses, on whom your hopes are set.46If you believed Moses, you would believe me, for he wrote about me.47But since you do not believe what he wrote, how are you going to believe what I say?"
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on the themes of faith, unbelief, and the enduring love of God. In the first reading from Exodus, we witness the Israelites’ impatience and lack of trust in God while Moses is on Mount Sinai. They quickly turn to a golden calf, crafting their own gods and abandoning the One who had just led them out of slavery. Moses intercedes for his people, reminding God of His promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, and God’s anger is appeased. This passage highlights the human tendency to doubt and the importance of intercession and faithfulness.
In the Gospel, Jesus speaks about His divine mission and the testimony that confirms His identity. He references John the Baptist and the works the Father has given Him as evidence of His divine authority. Yet, despite these signs, many refuse to believe. Jesus laments that the people study the Scriptures but fail to see how they point to Him. He warns them that their unbelief is rooted in a desire for human glory rather than a genuine pursuit of God’s truth. This passage challenges us to examine our own hearts and consider whether we truly seek God or are content with superficial faith.
Both readings remind us that faith is not about seeking signs or human approval but about trusting in God’s promises and seeking His glory. Like the Israelites, we often grow impatient and lose sight of God’s presence in our lives. Like the people in the Gospel, we may intellectualize our faith without truly embracing it. Today, let us ask for the grace to trust in God’s plan, even when it seems unclear, and to seek His glory above all else. May we learn to hear His voice and abide in His word, for it is there that we find true life.