Daily Mass Reflections - 1/5

"You will see greater things than this. Amen, amen, I say to you, you will see the sky opened and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man." ~ John 1:50-51

Challenging words from John in today’s 1st Reading (1 John 3:11-21) wherein he reminds us, among other things, that “Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life remaining in him.”

So who can be saved one might be inclined to ask? Jesus reminds us time and time again in the Gospels that for man, salvation is an impossibility. It is only through God’s saving grace, through a thriving relationship with Jesus, and through the Gifts of the Holy Spirit that one can even approach the narrow gate that leads to salvation, doing so with full and total confidence. In today’s Gospel (John 1:43-51) we witness Nathaniel doing precisely that.

Nathaniel recognizes Jesus as the Son of God and King of Israel. Like Nathaniel, once we opt for Jesus, we can then begin to tackle the entitlements, addictions, justifications and misguided desires that preoccupy us. And tackle them we must, for Scripture teaches us that we cannot serve two masters. Can’t do it.

As the Scripture passage that I chose to kick off today’s reflection teaches us, Jesus has made the promise of a greater future to those who place their hope in him.

In whom does your hope reside?