Today’s Scripture Readings

Gospel Reading

NRSV

The one who comes from above is above all; the one who is of the earth belongs to the earth and speaks about earthly things. The one who comes from heaven is above all. He testifies to what he has seen and heard, yet no one accepts his testimony. Whoever has accepted his testimony has certified this, that God is true. He whom God has sent speaks the words of God, for he gives the Spirit without measure. The Father loves the Son and has placed all things in his hands. Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever disobeys the Son will not see life, but must endure God’s wrath.

There is an initial question of who is speaking in this Gospel: John the Baptist, the author of the Johannine Gospel, or even Jesus Himself. In the end, the message remains ultimately the same, with this passage further establishing the legitimacy of Jesus as “the Word” to reveal heavenly things on earth.

Reflecting on this Gospel passage, we are invited to reflect on the origin of our heavenly understanding, given through one from heaven, and how we might respond accordingly. We hear that it is only through the testimony of Jesus that we might understand heavenly things, drawing our minds to the entirety of Christ’s earthly mission. In faith, we can accept this testimony of Jesus, presented throughout the Gospels, and then speak of heavenly things at work in our own lives. Among this testimony of Jesus is the reminder of God’s generosity, who gives the Holy Spirit “without measure.”

The final verse speaks of believing and obeying, with dire consequences for disobeying. This brings home the call to believe in Jesus who “has eternal life”.

Today, how might we lift our minds to heavenly things, trusting in the testimony of Jesus, while living out the Gospel message in our actions?

Simply, read the Word of God and seek to do what it says, coming to know the risen Christ intimately and to bear authentic witness to heavenly things.