Daily Readings - Thu Mar 14 2024
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
In today’s readings, we encounter two powerful narratives that invite us to reflect on faith, mercy, and the nature of God’s relationship with humanity. The first reading from Exodus recounts the story of the golden calf, a moment of profound infidelity by the Israelites. While Moses is on Mount Sinai receiving the Ten Commandments, the people grow impatient and turn to idolatry, crafting a molten calf and worshipping it as a god. This act of rebellion provokes God’s anger, yet Moses intercedes on behalf of his people, appealing to God’s mercy and faithfulness to the promises made to Abraham, Isaac, and Israel. Moses’ prayer reminds us of the importance of intercession and the enduring nature of God’s covenant.
In the Gospel, Jesus speaks about the testimony that authenticates His divine mission. He explains that His works and the Father’s witness confirm His identity, yet many remain unbelieving. Jesus references Moses, noting that if the people do not believe Moses’ writings, they will struggle to believe in Him. This passage highlights the tension between faith and unbelief, as well as the fulfillment of God’s promises in Jesus Christ. Just as the golden calf incident reveals humanity’s tendency to turn away from God, Jesus’ words expose the spiritual blindness that prevents people from recognizing Him as the true revelation of God.
These readings remind us that faith is a gift that requires openness to God’s presence and action in our lives. Like the Israelites, we often falter and turn to lesser idols—whether material possessions, status, or our own desires. Yet, God remains faithful, always ready to extend mercy and forgiveness. Jesus, as the ultimate mediator, invites us to trust in His words and works, which reveal the Father’s love. Let us examine our own lives, asking where we may have turned away from God and where we might need to deepen our faith. May we, like Moses, intercede for ourselves and others, and may we, like Jesus, seek to glorify not ourselves but the One who sent us.