The Word God Spells

John 12:44-50
Acts 12:24–13:5 / Ps 67

I came into this world as light, so that everyone who believes in me might not remain in darkness.
(John 12:46)

The Light of Truth is God’s gift to man,
The Word made flesh, His beloved Son;
Believe His words are the Father’s plan,
As the Father and Jesus are One.

Jesus said: “Whoever believes in me believes not only in me but also in the One Who sent me, and whoever sees me sees the One Who sent me. . . And if anyone hears my voice and does not observe them, I do not condemn him, for I did not come to condemn the world but to save the world.” (Jn.12:44-45,47)

Some of the religious leaders of the Jews believed in the words of Jesus because of His miraculous works, but they chose not to acknowledge Him openly for fear of being expelled from the synagogue. To them Jesus could only say, “Whoever rejects me and does not accept my words has something to judge him: the word that I spoke, it will condemn him on the last day, because I did not speak on my own, but the Father who sent me commanded me what to say and speak.” (Jn.12:48-49)

Reflection

Jesus’ words in John 12:46 resonates today with the same urgency as when He had urged His listeners then just a few days before His light would be snuffed out on the hill of Calvary. The Jews had only a little amount of time left to believe in the Light of salvation, to become children of the Light. And yet most of them chose not to listen. Many people are in the same situation today. If you have not yet decided to make Jesus Christ the center of your life, you may only have a little time left before your life is totally plunged into darkness. You may think you’re still young and healthy, but Proverbs 27:1 says, “Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what tomorrow may bring.” Thousands of souls in New York city never had an inkling on that fateful morning in September 11, 2001 that it would be the last day that they would see the light. The epistle of James (4:14) says: “You have no idea what your life will be like tomorrow. You are like a vapor that appears for a little while and then disappears.” Believe in Jesus, for you may only have a little time left to decide.

The words of our Lord are very clear, that if we reject Him, it is the Word of God that will be our judge. When we leave this life and stand before God, we can no longer justify our previous life, our attitudes, our words and our actions. There will be no excuse for rejecting Jesus Christ and His Word. And only those who believe in the Lord Jesus will be saved… (Acts 16:31)

O Holy Spirit, we pray: let Your light shine upon us to dispel the darkness of doubts and despair. Lead us from pride and disobedience, into submission to the Father’s will. Amen.