The Gospel
John 8:12‑20
(Cycle C)
This testimony is true, Jesus, Light of the World
St. Gaspar
"As the eyes of the dove are open and clear, so also will our intellectual vision of God and of heavenly things become open and clear. With a pure intention we shall seek nothing but his glory and true good of souls: "It follows that if your eye is sound, your whole body will be filled with light."[1] It is then that the Lord, transported in love and joy, exclaims: "Your eyes . . . are doves;"[2] "for they hold me captive."[3] Dear brothers, these very reflections --- these truths --- enable us to draw abundant fruit from our retreat and to acquire thoroughly the science of the saints, the focal point of our heart's desire. The virtue that is acquired, then, becomes most pleasing to our hearts. Whoever looks forward to becoming virtuous, is disgusted with whatever leads away from God. He thirsts only after God, for in the unitive way he will be continually filled with desire and ever thirsting for God himself.[4]"
Reflection
To what do our words and actions testify? Do we give witness to darkness or light? Do we witness for ourselves, or for God? It is not only our words that testify. Our actions speak as well. Our selfish actions point to passing things that have a future only in darkness. Our acts of charity testify to what we have become in Christ.
For St. Gaspar our seeking of God and his ways is what opens our eyes and makes them open and clear. Seeking nothing but God's glory we open a way to what is light. The two men in the passage from Daniel, although they are enough witnesses to fulfill the law, testify only to their own selfishness and desire. The results are only fleeting. For those who seek the truth the way is clear and guided by the light that is truth itself.
It is Jesus who is the light of the world. It is Jesus who is truth itself. Following him we remain in the light and the truth is not far from us.
[1] Matt 6:22
[2] Songs 4:1
[3] Songs 6:4
[4] From The Seventh Circular Letter
John 8:12‑20
(Cycle C)
This testimony is true, Jesus, Light of the World
St. Gaspar
"As the eyes of the dove are open and clear, so also will our intellectual vision of God and of heavenly things become open and clear. With a pure intention we shall seek nothing but his glory and true good of souls: "It follows that if your eye is sound, your whole body will be filled with light."[1] It is then that the Lord, transported in love and joy, exclaims: "Your eyes . . . are doves;"[2] "for they hold me captive."[3] Dear brothers, these very reflections --- these truths --- enable us to draw abundant fruit from our retreat and to acquire thoroughly the science of the saints, the focal point of our heart's desire. The virtue that is acquired, then, becomes most pleasing to our hearts. Whoever looks forward to becoming virtuous, is disgusted with whatever leads away from God. He thirsts only after God, for in the unitive way he will be continually filled with desire and ever thirsting for God himself.[4]"
Reflection
To what do our words and actions testify? Do we give witness to darkness or light? Do we witness for ourselves, or for God? It is not only our words that testify. Our actions speak as well. Our selfish actions point to passing things that have a future only in darkness. Our acts of charity testify to what we have become in Christ.
For St. Gaspar our seeking of God and his ways is what opens our eyes and makes them open and clear. Seeking nothing but God's glory we open a way to what is light. The two men in the passage from Daniel, although they are enough witnesses to fulfill the law, testify only to their own selfishness and desire. The results are only fleeting. For those who seek the truth the way is clear and guided by the light that is truth itself.
It is Jesus who is the light of the world. It is Jesus who is truth itself. Following him we remain in the light and the truth is not far from us.
- How do I search for the truth?
- How has this lent been a time to come to the light?
- To what do my actions testify?
[1] Matt 6:22
[2] Songs 4:1
[3] Songs 6:4
[4] From The Seventh Circular Letter
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