Wednesday, April 1, 2020 - Fifth week of Lent - Gospel of Jesus Christ according to St. John 8, 31-42 - Blessed are those who have heard the Word in a good and generous heart, who hold it fast and bear fruit by their perseverance.

Jesus is speaking to the Jews, but He is also speaking to us who, although we already have faith, must deepen and maintain it, because the mystery and truth about Jesus is revealed to us little by little: "If you remain faithful to my word, you are truly my disciples; then you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free".

But the people replied: "We are the descendants of Abraham, and we have never been slaves to anyone. How can you say, "You will become free"?". And Jesus answered, "You seek to kill me, because my word has no place in you". In our case as Christians, faith is not a matter of descent or inheritance. There are many possibilities for doubt and misunderstanding in what we think we know about our faith. Jesus is clear: "I know well that you are Abraham's descendants, yet you seek to kill me", as if in our case, He is saying to us: "You call yourselves Christians, yet you kill, you remain indifferent in the face of injustice".

Humbly then, let us assume and deepen our faith without boasting of the fame of our parents and forefathers. Let us not be content with a partial knowledge of our faith and, in case of doubt, it is better to ask and let ourselves be instructed instead of limiting ourselves to intransigence.