Gospel
‘There is one who accuses you: Moses, on whom you have set your hope.’
John 5:31-47
At that time: Jesus said to the Jews: ‘If I alone bear witness about myself, my testimony is not true. There is another who bears witness about me, and I know that the testimony that he bears about me is true. You sent to John, and he has borne witness to the truth. Not that the testimony that I receive is from man, but I say these things so that you may be saved. He was a burning and shining lamp, and you were willing to rejoice for a while in his light. But the testimony that I have is greater than that of John. For the works that the Father has given me to accomplish, the very works that I am doing, bear witness about me that the Father has sent me. And the Father who sent me has himself borne witness about me. His voice you have never heard, his form you have never seen, and you do not have his word abiding in you, for you do not believe the one whom he has sent. You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me, yet you refuse to come to me that you may have life. I do not receive glory from people. But I know that you do not have the love of God within you. I have come in my Father’s name, and you do not receive me. If another comes in his own name, you will receive him. How can you believe, when you receive glory from one another and do not seek the glory that comes from the only God? Do not think that I will accuse you to the Father. There is one who accuses you: Moses, on whom you have set your hope. For if you believed Moses, you would believe me; for he wrote of me. But if you do not believe his writings, how will you believe my words?’
The Gospel of the Lord
The Only Glory.
Today the Lord asks us: “How can you believe if you accept glory from one another and do not seek the glory that comes from the one and only God?” We may claim belief and proudly call ourselves Christians, but if I seek glory from my spouse, then I’m not seeking God’s glory. That means I don’t truly believe in Him, because if I genuinely did, I would understand that He alone deserves all honour, glory, and praise. Lord, may I never attempt to take Your glory for myself.
Applied to Married Life:
Martha: You don’t love me, because if you did, you would admire me.
Raymond: That’s not true. I do love you, and I admire you greatly—not just for your achievements or talents, but most of all for the dignity God has bestowed upon you.
Martha: You’re right. Everything dignified in me truly comes from God. Forgive me, Lord, for falling into the temptation of expecting my husband to glorify me. Forgive me, my husband.
Raymond: See? I knew you would end up giving glory to God. Recognising Him is what makes you great in His eyes, and that’s exactly what I see in you. I love you.
Mother,
To Him be all honour and glory forever and ever. Amen.