THolding [the Way of Affirmation], we see that every created thing is, in its
degree, an image of God, and the ordinate and faithful appreciation of that thing a clue, which, truly followed, will lead back to Him.
... C. S. Lewis (1898-1963), Arthurian Torso [1948]
Creation as iconic: give yourself time to experience God in nature.
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Isaiah
49:8-15
Psalm 145:8-9, 13cd-14, 17-18 John 5:17-30 Jesus said to the Jews, ‘My Father goes on working, and so do I.’ But that only made them even more intent on killing him, because, not content with breaking the sabbath, he spoke of God as his own Father, and so made
himself God’s equal.
To this accusation Jesus replied:
‘I tell you most solemnly,
the Son can do nothing by himself;
he can do only what he sees the Father doing:
and whatever the Father does the Son does too.
For the Father loves the Son
and shows him everything he does himself,
and he will show him even greater things than these,
works that will astonish you.
Thus, as the Father raises the dead and gives them life,
so the Son gives life to anyone he
chooses;
for the Father judges no one;
he has entrusted all judgement to the Son,
so that all may honour the Son
as they honour the Father.
Whoever refuses honour to the Son
refuses honour to the Father who sent him.
I tell you most solemnly,
whoever listens to my words,
and believes in the one who sent me,
has eternal life;
without being brought to judgement
he has passed from death to life.
I tell you most solemnly,
the hour will come – in fact it is
here already –
when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God,
and all who hear it will live.
For the Father, who is the source of life,
has made the Son the source of life;
and, because he is the Son of Man,
has appointed him supreme judge.
Do not be surprised at this,
for the hour is coming when the dead will leave their graves
at the sound of his voice:
those who did good will rise again to life;
and those who did evil, to condemnation.
I can do
nothing by myself;
I can only judge as I am told to judge,
and my judging is just,
because my aim is to do not my own will,
but the will of him who sent me.’
Reflection on the Scriptures
In today’s Gospel, Jesus declares His divine authority, emphasizing that He does not act on His own but in perfect unity with the Father. He speaks of the works that He does. These are actions that mirror God’s justice and mercy in the
world. Jesus’ assertion of divine authority challenges me to reflect on how I understand justice, authority, and compassion in my own life. In the context of contemporary political turmoil, where many are weighed down by the oppression of authoritarian regimes, wars, and deep societal divides, Jesus’ actions show me that true life and justice cannot be found in human power alone. Political systems may fail me, but the kingdom of God, which transcends earthly politics, is one that is rooted in
truth, justice, and mercy. There is also a call to personal responsibility in this passage. In the face of injustice and political strife, I find myself called to listen to Christ’s words and seek justice, practice mercy, and stand with the oppressed. This is not an abstract call but one that asks me to act in the world as an agent of God’s kingdom as I navigate the complexities and injustices of human systems. The challenges of human conflict, economic inequality, political corruption, environmental crises, and social fragmentation are immense. I feel that I cannot ignore the call to engage with these issues through the lens of faith. Both Isaiah and John offer a vision of a world restored to righteousness through divine intervention, but I do not see this vision as something passive. I feel that there is an imperative for my personal action. That is the focus of my prayer
today. Dear Lord, I struggle to understand the frequent hardness of human hearts. On a personal level, I worry for my children and grandchildren. Help me to find peace as I strive to discern my mission. Open my heart and my mind to your call. Guide my actions as an agent of Your kingdom. -by Mike Cherney
The Imitation of Christ, Thomas A. Kempis https://amzn.to/40FrikB Paperback and Kindle versions available BOOK
ONE: Thoughts Helpful in the Life of a Soul
The Seventeenth Chapter: Monastic Life IF YOU wish peace and
concord with others, you must learn to disciipline your will in many things. To live in monasteries or religious communities, to remain there without complaint, and to persevere faithfully till death is no small matter. Blessed indeed is he who there lives a good life and there ends his (her) days in happiness. If you would persevere in seeking perfection, you must consider yourself a
pilgrim, an exile on earth. If you would become a religious, you must be content to seem a fool for the sake of Christ. Habit and tonsure change a person but little; it is the change of life, the complete mortification of passions that endow a true religious.
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