In the 5th chapter of Saint John’s Gospel, Jesus returns to Jerusalem, as required for the various feast days. While there, he heals a man who has been crippled for nearly forty years. Since this occurred on the Sabbath, the local Jewish leaders were angry. But when Jesus called God his own Father, making himself equal to God (John 5:18), they wanted all the more to kill Jesus.
In response, Jesus offers a multitude of evidence. According to Jewish legal tradition, a person could not testify on his own behalf. Instead, two or three witnesses were required (Deuteronomy 17:6; Numbers 35:30). So instead of simply saying, “Have faith,” or ”Believe me because I said so,” Jesus offers various forms of witness as to why he should be believed. These include the human testimony of John the Baptist, the miracles that Jesus himself is performing, the testimony of the Father, and the words of Scripture.
Despite the abundance of evidence, only a few embraced Jesus during his earthly life. Even now, over two millennia later, we still grapple with the concept of belief.
Saint Peter Julian Eymard noted that Jesus chose to hide himself in the Eucharist rather than remain with us in bodily form. “Jesus’ body is not our end; it is but a step to help us reach first his soul and then his divinity… The senses having been reduced to silence, our soul will enter into communion with Jesus Christ; and since Jesus is happiness, repose, and joy, the more intimately we commune with him, the happier we shall be.” (The Real Presence, page 104.)
Just for today, can I stop seeking a tangible sign from God but instead just rest in silent communion with him?
Let Us Pray:
Jesus, I acknowledge your real presence dwelling within me, loving me as I am. I praise the wonders of your love, the beauty of your creation, the light of your truth. Thank you for the abundant blessings from your hands that provide all I need. I am sorry for the times I have fallen short in loving you by not loving others. I pray for our church and our world, for my own needs and the needs of others. Amen.
