Works of Jesus

 

"The works 

that the Father 

gave me to accomplish, 

these works that I perform 

testify on my behalf that 

the Father has sent me." 

(John 5:36)

Jesus speaks about the witnesses that testify to His authority and mission. He acknowledges that if He were to testify about Himself without external validation, it wouldn't be credible. His testimony is supported by the witness of John the Baptist, His works, God the Father, and the Scriptures.

Those who truly seek God will recognize Jesus through the Scriptures and the works He performs. Jesus tells the religious leaders that the very Scriptures they study point to Him, yet they fail to accept Him. We should approach the Word of God with an open heart and a desire to truly understand its message.

Many people are more concerned with receiving honor from others rather than seeking the truth that comes from God. This serves as a reminder for us to prioritize divine truth over worldly recognition.

Overall, Jesus encourages us to trust the evidence given by God, focus on seeking His truth rather than human praise, and recognize Him as the fulfillment of Scripture.

The works I do, they shine with grace, 

A witness strong, a holy trace. 

Each step I take, each word I say, 

Reveals the Father's guiding way.

His hands have shaped the path I tread, 

His voice, the truth my heart has spread. 

Not mine alone, but His decree, 

A call to faith for all to see.

The blind now see, the lost are found, 

His mercy speaks where love abounds. 

Each healing touch, each act of light, 

Proclaims His power, pure and bright.

So let the doubters pause and know, 

His presence in these works does glow. 

For what I do is not my own, 

But proof that I am sent and known.

Lord Jesus, 

You were sent by the Father, And the works You have done proclaim His truth. Through Your hands, the blind see, Through Your voice, the lost find their way. You fulfill the mission set before You, A perfect testament of divine love.

Lord, let me recognize Your works in my life. Open my heart to Your presence, That I may see Your hand at work in the simple and the extraordinary. Help me to trust in Your calling, to walk the path You have set for me, and to glorify the Father in all I do.

May my life be a witness to Your truth, Reflecting Your grace and mercy, so that others may see and believe. Lord Jesus, strengthen my faith, guide my steps, and fill me with the courage to follow You wholeheartedly.

Amen.

Pericope:

The Book of Signs

WITNESSES TO JESUS

John 5:31-47

Gospel Acclamation

God so loved the word that he gave his only-begotten Son, so that everyone who believes in him might have eternal life.

Gospel | John 5:31-47

31 Jesus said to the Jews: “If I testify on my own behalf, my testimony is not true. 32 But there is another who testifies on my behalf, and I know that the testimony he gives on my behalf is true. 33 You sent emissaries to John, and he testified to the truth. 34 I do not accept human testimony, but I say this so that you may be saved. 35 He was a burning and shining lamp, and for a while you were content to rejoice in his light. 36 But I have testimony greater than John’s. The works that the Father gave me to accomplish, these works that I perform testify on my behalf that the Father has sent me. 37 Moreover, the Father who sent me has testified on my behalf. But you have never heard his voice nor seen his form, 38 and you do not have his word remaining in you, because you do not believe in the one whom he has sent. 39 You search the Scriptures, because you think you have eternal life through them; even they testify on my behalf. 40 But you do not want to come to me to have life. 41 “I do not accept human praise; 42 moreover, I know that you do not have the love of God in you. 43 I came in the name of my Father, but you do not accept me; yet if another comes in his own name, you will accept him. 44 How can you believe, when you accept praise from one another and do not seek the praise that comes from the only God? 45 Do not think that I will accuse you before the Father: the one who will accuse you is Moses, in whom you have placed your hope. 46 For if you had believed Moses, you would have believed me, because he wrote about me. 47 But if you do not believe his writings, how will you believe my words?”

Reflection Source:

Conversation with Copilot

Greater Works

The Father loves the Son 

and shows him everything 

that he himself does, 

and he will show him 

greater works than these, 

so that you may be amazed. 

(John 5:20)

God's work of redemption and restoration never stops. We can trust that God is always working in our lives, even when we don’t see it.

Jesus does nothing apart from the Father. He gives life and has the authority to judge. Those who do good will rise to life, but those who do evil will face condemnation. Let us seek His grace to live in righteousness according to His teachings. Our salvation comes through faith in Him.

The Father’s love, so vast and bright, 

Guides the Son in perfect light. 

All He does, the Son can see, 

In sacred bond of unity.

He shows Him works both great and true, 

A path of light for me, for you. 

Yet greater wonders still remain, 

To leave us speechless, to amaze.

The breath of life, the healing hand, 

The mercy flowing through the land. 

In love divine, their will is one, 

A gift of grace through Christ the Son.

So stand in awe, lift up your eyes, 

The Father’s works will yet arise. 

Believe, rejoice, in Him abide, 

For love and truth walk side by side.

Lord Jesus, 

I stand in awe of Your love, a love so deep, so perfect. The Father has revealed to You His great works, And through You, He has shown us wonders beyond measure.

You bring life to the weary, hope to the broken, And Your truth shines like the morning sun. May I never turn away from Your voice, But listen and follow in faithful surrender.

Reveal to me, O Lord, Your greater works, That I may be amazed at Your glory. Open my heart to trust in Your divine plan, For in You, all things are made new.

I honor You, Lord Jesus, as the Son of the Living God, Sent to bring salvation and eternal life. May 

Your will be done in me, As I walk in Your love and grace. 

Amen.

Pericope:

II: The Book of Signs

CURE ON A SABBATH/THE WORK OF THE SON

John 5:1-18 / 19-30

Gospel Acclamation

I am the resurrection and the life, says the Lord; whoever believes in me will never die.

Gospel | John 5:17-30

17 Jesus answered the Jews: “My Father is at work until now, so I am at work.” 18 For this reason they tried all the more to kill him, because he not only broke the sabbath but he also called God his own father, making himself equal to God. 19 Jesus answered and said to them, “Amen, amen, I say to you, a son cannot do anything on his own, but only what he sees his Father doing; for what he does, the Son will do also. 20 For the Father loves the Son and shows him everything that he himself does, and he will show him greater works than these, so that you may be amazed. 21 For just as the Father raises the dead and gives life, so also does the Son give life to whomever he wishes. 22 Nor does the Father judge anyone, but he has given all judgment to his Son, 23 so that all may honor the Son just as they honor the Father. Whoever does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent him. 24 Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes in the one who sent me has eternal life and will not come to condemnation, but has passed from death to life. 25 Amen, amen, I say to you, the hour is coming and is now here when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear will live. 26 For just as the Father has life in himself, so also he gave to his Son the possession of life in himself. 27 And he gave him power to exercise judgment, because he is the Son of Man. 28 Do not be amazed at this, because the hour is coming in which all who are in the tombs will hear his voice 29 and will come out, those who have done good deeds to the resurrection of life, but those who have done wicked deeds to the resurrection of condemnation. 30 “I cannot do anything on my own; I judge as I hear, and my judgment is just, because I do not seek my own will but the will of the one who sent me.” 

Reflection Source:

Conversation with Copilot

Stretch Out Your Hand

Looking around at them 

with anger and grieved 

at their hardness of heart, 

Jesus said to the man, 

“Stretch out your hand.” 

He stretched it out 

and his hand was restored. 

(Mark 3:5)

The gospel for today taken from Mark 3:1-6 is a powerful passage that offers several important lessons. Here are a few key takeaways:

Compassion Over Legalism: Jesus heals a man with a withered hand on the Sabbath, challenging the Pharisees' strict interpretation of the law. This teaches us that compassion and doing good should take precedence over rigid adherence to rules.

Courage to Do What's Right: Despite knowing that the Pharisees were watching and looking for a reason to accuse him, Jesus still chose to heal the man. This shows the importance of having the courage to do what is right, even in the face of opposition.

The Hardness of Heart: The Pharisees' reaction to Jesus' healing highlights the danger of having a hardened heart. They were more concerned with finding fault than rejoicing in the man's healing. This serves as a reminder to keep our hearts open and compassionate.

The Value of Human Life: Jesus' actions emphasize the value of human life and well-being over strict religious observance. This teaches us to prioritize people's needs and well-being in our actions and decisions.

These lessons encourage us to act with compassion, courage, and an open heart, valuing human life and well-being above rigid rules. 

In a humble place, where faith was found, 

A man stood with a hand unbound. 

Jesus spoke with a voice so kind, 

"Stretch out your hand, leave fear behind."

The man obeyed, his heart in prayer, 

He stretched his hand into the air. 

A miracle, a sight so grand, 

His hand restored by divine command.

In faith and trust, the healing came, 

A testament to Jesus' name. 

For in His words, the power lies, 

To heal, to love, to lift our eyes.

So let us stretch our hands in grace, 

And find our healing in His embrace. 

For miracles are born each day, 

When faith and love light up our way.

Lord Jesus, In Your infinite mercy and love, You healed the man with the withered hand. You spoke with compassion and power, saying, "Stretch out your hand." In faith, he obeyed, and his hand was restored.

We come before You now, seeking Your healing touch in our lives. Help us to stretch out our hands in faith, trusting in Your divine will. Restore us, Lord, in body, mind, and spirit. Grant us the strength to follow Your word and the courage to believe in Your miracles.

May Your grace flow through us, bringing healing and hope to all who are in need. We thank You, Lord Jesus, for Your boundless love and mercy. Amen.

Pericope:

II: The Mystery of Jesus

A MAN WITH A WITHERED HAND

Mark 3:1-6

Gospel Acclamation

Jesus preached the Gospel of the Kingdom and cured every disease among the people.

Gospel | Mark 3:1-6

1 Jesus entered the synagogue. There was a man there who had a withered hand. 2 They watched Jesus closely to see if he would cure him on the sabbath so that they might accuse him. 3 He said to the man with the withered hand, “Come up here before us.” 4 Then he said to the Pharisees, “Is it lawful to do good on the sabbath rather than to do evil, to save life rather than to destroy it?” But they remained silent. 5 Looking around at them with anger and grieved at their hardness of heart, Jesus said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” He stretched it out and his hand was restored. 6 The Pharisees went out and immediately took counsel with the Herodians against him to put him to death.

Reflection Source:

Conversation with Copilot

Wonder and Promise

 

"Everyone who heard this

wondered about it, asking,

'What then is this child 

going to be?' 

For the Lord's hand 

was with him." 

(Luke 1:66)

God's plans for each person are unique and significant. His presence and guidance are with us throughout our lives, shaping our paths and purposes. Let us seek and fulfill the unique calling that God has placed on our lives.

The people who heard about John the Baptist's birth were filled with wonder and curiosity about his future. This teaches us to approach life with a sense of wonder and curiosity. The community's interest in John's future highlights the importance of support and encouragement from those around us. It reminds us to nurture and support each other's growth and potential.

Reflecting on this verse can inspire us to embrace wonder and curiosity, trust in God's guidance, seek our unique purpose, and support one another in our journeys.

Everyone who heard did wonder, 

"What will this child be?" they ponder. 

For the Lord's hand was with him, 

A future bright, not dim.

In the quiet of the night, 

A promise born, a guiding light. 

With God's hand upon his life, 

He'd rise above all strife.

A child of wonder, hope, and grace, 

Destined to run a faithful race. 

For in his heart, the Spirit's flame, 

Would guide his steps, proclaim his name.

So let us marvel at God's plan, 

In every child, in every man. 

For with His hand, our paths are clear, 

In faith and love, we persevere.

Lord Jesus, 

We come before You with hearts full of wonder, asking for Your guidance and purpose in our lives. Just as the people wondered about John, we seek to understand Your plans for us.

Grant us the wisdom to recognize Your hand in our lives, and the courage to follow the path You have set before us. Help us to trust in Your guidance, knowing that Your plans are perfect and true.

May we fulfill the potential and purpose You have given us and bring glory to Your name in all that we do. Guide us with Your loving hand and help us to be a light to those around us.

Amen.

Pericope:

II: The Infancy Narrative

THE BIRTH OF JOHN

Luke 1:57-66

Gospel Acclamation

O King of all nations and keystone of the Church: come and save man, whom you formed from the dust!

Gospel | Luke 1:57-66

57 When the time arrived for Elizabeth to have her child she gave birth to a son. 58 Her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown his great mercy toward her, and they rejoiced with her. 59 When they came on the eighth day to circumcise the child, they were going to call him Zechariahafter his father, 60 but his mother said in reply, “No. He will be called John.” 61 But they answered her, “There is no one among your relatives who has this name.” 62 So they made signs, asking his father what he wished him to be called. 63 He asked for a tablet and wrote, “John is his name,” and all were amazed. 64 Immediately, his mouth was opened, his tongue freed, and he spoke blessing God. 65 Then fear came upon all their neighbors, and all these matters were discussed throughout the hill country of Judea. 66 All who heard these things took them to heart, saying, “What, then, will this child be?” For surely the hand of the Lord was with him.

Reflection Source:

Conversation with Copilot

The Hand of the Lord was with him

"All who heard these things took them to heart, saying, 

'What, then, will this child be?'

For surely the hand of the Lord was with him."

(Luke 1:66)

God is in control of everything that happens under the sun, and that He works all things for the good of those who love Him (Romans 8:28). Our faith and destiny is in God's hands. He is our hope and our salvation, our joy and our satisfaction, our God and our King.

We don't know what the future holds but we know who holds it in His hands. He is the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. We don't know how our lives will unfold but we know who has a purpose and a plan. He is the Creator and the Sustainer, the Author and the Finisher. We don't know when our trials will end but we know who will see us through them. He is the Refuge and the Strength, the Comforter and the Friend. We don't know how our stories will blend but we know who will make them beautiful. He is the Potter and the Painter, the Weaver and the Composer

One of the benefits of having faith and destiny in God’s hands is that we can have peace and joy in any situation, knowing that God is with us and for us. We can also have hope and courage to face the challenges and opportunities that come our way, knowing that God will guide us and provide for us. We can also have gratitude and praise for all that God has done, is doing, and will do in our lives, knowing that He is faithful and good.

When the time arrived for Elizabeth to have her child she gave birth to a son. Her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown his great mercy toward her, and they rejoiced with her. When they came on the eighth day to circumcise the child, they were going to call him Zechariah after his father, but his mother said in reply, “No. He will be called John.” But they answered her, “There is no one among your relatives who has this name.” So they made signs, asking his father what he wished him to be called. He asked for a tablet and wrote, “John is his name,” and all were amazed. Immediately, his mouth was opened, his tongue freed, and he spoke blessing God. Then fear came upon all their neighbors, and all these matters were discussed throughout the hill country of Judea. All who heard these things took them to heart, saying, “What, then, will this child be?” For surely the hand of the Lord was with him. (Luke 1:57-66)

The time of purification is here, to cleanse our hearts and minds, to repent and forsake our sins, to seek God's grace and mercy. The time of purification is now, to humble ourselves and pray, to confess and forgive, to restore our relationship with God. The time of purification is near, to prepare for His coming, to rejoice and worship, to celebrate His love and glory.

Thus says the Lord God: Lo, I am sending my messenger to prepare the way before me; and suddenly there will come to the temple the Lord whom you seek, and the messenger of the covenant whom you desire. Yes, he is coming, says the Lord of hosts. But who will endure the day of his coming? And who can stand when he appears? For he is like the refiner’s fire, or like the fuller’s lye. He will sit refining and purifying silver, and he will purify the sons of Levi, refining them like gold or like silver that they may offer due sacrifice to the Lord. Then the sacrifice of Judah and Jerusalem will please the Lord, as in days of old, as in years gone by. Lo, I will send you Elijah, the prophet, before the day of the Lord comes, the great and terrible day, to turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers, lest I come and strike the land with doom. (Malachi 3:1-4, 23-24)

The ways and paths of the Lord are good that leads us to His perfect will, teaches us to obey His word, and shows us how to love and serve. The ways and paths of the Lord are true, revealing His character and nature, guiding us to His promises and plans, and inspiring us to trust and praise. The ways and paths of the Lord are right, they correct us when we go astray, they protect us from the enemy's snares, they empower us to do His works.

Your ways, O Lord, make known to me; teach me your paths, guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my savior. Good and upright is the Lord; thus he shows sinners the way. He guides the humble to justice, he teaches the humble his way. All the paths of the Lord are kindness and constancy toward those who keep his covenant and his decrees. The friendship of the Lord is with those who fear him, and his covenant, for their instruction. (Psalm 25:4-5, 8-9, 10, 14)

Lord, Your hand is mighty and strong, holding the entire universe in Your palm. Your hand is gentle and kind, touching the broken with Your grace, lifting up the humble and heals, and guiding the lost and leads. Our faith and destiny is at the palm of Your hands. Let Your hand be upon us O Lord. We need You, Lord, we need You now. We cry out to You, we bow down, we ask You, Lord, to purify us. We trust in You and we follow You now and forever. Amen.

Pericope:

II: The Infancy Narrative

THE BIRTH OF JOHN

Luke 1:57-66

The Book of Malachi

THE MESSENGER OF THE COVENANT

Malachi 3:1-24

First Book of Psalms 1-41

CONFIDENT PRAYER FOR FORGIVENESS AND GUIDANCE

Psalm 25:1-22

Reflection Source:

Copilot with Bing Chat

Published:

December 23, 2023, 8:21 AM

Bear Fruit in Every Good Work

Walk in a manner worthy of the Lord 

so as to be fully pleasing in every good work, 

bearing fruit and growing in the knowledge of God. 

COLOSSIANS 1:10

You are regarded as a servant of Christ and steward of the mysteries of God (1 Cor 4:1). Now it is of course required of stewards that they be found trustworthy (1 Cor 4:2). 

Jesus said, "To to everyone who has, more will be given and he will grow rich; but from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away. (Mt 25:29)

The Lord entrusted you with His possesions according to your ability (Mt 25:14-15). Be faithful in small matters and He will give you great responsibilities. Do it well and you shall share His joy (Mt 25:21,23). Put His money in the bank so that He can have it back with interest on His return (Mt 25:27).

Every good work comes from the Lord alone. Neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who causes the growth (1 Cor 3:6). He who plants and he who waters are one, and each will receive wages in proportion to his labor. For we are God’s co-workers; you are God’s field, God’s building (1 Cor 3:8-9).

Pray and ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of God’s will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding, strengthened with every power, in accord with His glorious might, for all endurance and patience, with joy (Col 1:9,11). Progress even more to aspire to live a tranquil life, to mind your own affairs, and to work with your own hands (1 Thes 4:10-11).

The Lord has done wondrous deeds; His right hand has won victory for Him, His holy arm (Ps 98:1). Trust in the Lord and do good, that you may dwell in the land and enjoy security (Ps 37:3). Give thanks to the Father who has made you fit to share in the inheritance of the holy ones in light (Col 1:12).

Published:

September 02, 2023, 8:38 AM

Work so as Not to Burden Anyone

You recall, brothers and sisters, our toil and drudgery. 

Working night and day in order not to burden any of you, 

we proclaimed to you the Gospel of God. 

1 THESSALONIANS 2:9

The Lord's hand shall guide you, and His right hand hold you fast (Ps 139:10). You received not as the word of men, but as it truly is, the word of God, which is now at work in you who believe (1Thes 2:13). 

Jesus said: “Who, then, is the faithful and prudent servant, whom the master has put in charge of his household to distribute to them their food at the proper time? Blessed is that servant whom his master on his arrival finds doing so. Amen, I say to you, he will put him in charge of all his property." (Mt 24:45-47)

God is faithful, and by Him you were called to fellowship with His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord (1 Cor 1:9). In Him you were enriched in every way, with all discourse and all knowledge, as the testimony to Christ was confirmed among you, so that you are not lacking in any spiritual gift as you wait for the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ (1 Cor 1:5-7). 

Everywhere you go, God is already there. His presence is from where you are now to where you are going (Ps 139:8). He will keep you firm to the end, irreproachable on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ (1 Cor 1:8). For this reason, give thanks to God unceasingly, and walk in a manner worthy of the God who calls you into his Kingdom and glory (1Thes 2:12). 

Great is the Lord and highly to be praised; His greatness is unsearchable (Ps 145:3). Hope in the Lord your God who made heaven and earth, the sea and all that is in them (Ps 146:5-6). The Lord shall reign forever; your God through all generations. Alleluia. (Ps 146:10) 

Lord, every day will I bless You; and I will praise Your name forever and ever. Generation after generation praises Your works and proclaims your might. They speak of the splendor of your glorious majesty and tell of Your wondrous works. They discourse of the power of Your terrible deeds and declare Your greatness. They publish the fame of Your abundant goodness and joyfully sing of Your justice. (Psalm 145:2, 4-7)

Published:

August 25, 2023, 8:35 AM