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Gospel Reading for May 13, 2025 – John 10: 22-30
REFUSE TO BELIEVE
The feast of the Dedication was taking place in Jerusalem. It was winter. And Jesus walked about in the temple area on the Portico of Solomon. So the Jews gathered around him and said to him, “How long are you going to keep us in suspense? If you are the Christ, tell us plainly.” Jesus answered them, “I told you and you do not believe. The works I do in my Father’s name testify to me. But you do not believe, because you are not among my sheep. My sheep hear my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish. No one can take them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one can take them out of the Father’s hand. The Father and I are one.”
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Even if Jesus will keep telling them he is the Christ, and even if he performs all the mighty deeds that no one else on earth can, they will not believe because they just REFUSE TO BELIEVE. A person who refuses to believe in God will never see or feel God in anything – his creation, the big and small miracles in our lives, love and care of our family and friends, etc.. For such a person, there is no God. Period.
Those of us who believe in God know very well the benefits of believing in him. Believing in God makes us aspire to reach the heights of our personhood because believing in God gives us a purpose in life; that we are not here without a reason; that we are called to do our share to make the world a better place to live in. Believing in God and following the ways of his Son Jesus will make sure that we are treading on the right path. Believing in God will make us strong against challenges because we know his Spirit will help us tide over; we do not see challenges as negative things but opportunities for growth in strength and character. Believing in God will keep us happy despite difficulties in life because we know that all these are temporary; that there will be none of these when we reach eternity with him. There are so many other benefits that believers experience. One will just wonder how one would benefit from believing there is no God.
Yes Lord, we thank you for the gift of Faith. We thank you for helping us live fruitful lives!
