LENT - WEEK 5 - SUNDAY

“Which of you convicts me of sin? If I tell the truth, why do you not believe me?” John 8:46

This Gospel teaches us how hardened sinners become even more furious when one instructs them and encourages them in a friendly manner. Christ here asks them in a really friendly manner to supply a reason why they do not believe in Him when they are in no position at all to find fault either with His life or His doctrine.

His life is quite blameless. He can boldly confront the Jews with the challenge, “Which of you convicts me of sin?” His doctrine, too, is irreproachable, for He says, “If I tell the truth, why do you not believe me?” Christ is one whose walk of life squared in every way with what He taught.

Every preacher should always be quite confident about two factors. In the first place, he should lead a blameless life so that he may always have a courageous approach to his work and that he may not provide anyone with an easy excuse to blaspheme his doctrine. Secondly, his doctrine must also be blameless so that he never misleads anyone who follows him.

In both respects, then, he will be doing what is right. With his good life, he will be gaining the advantage over his enemies, who are more concerned with his life than his doctrine and may despise his doctrine because of his life. With his doctrine, he is serving his friends, who are more concerned with his doctrine than with his life and will put up with his life for the sake of his doctrine.

SL.XI.566, 1-2
AE 76, 409

PRAYER: Provide Your Church with faithful pastors, O God, who practice what they preach and whose proclamation is always sure and certain, following the example of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.