Reinforce our belief in God

The impression you get from this constant reinforcement of our belief in the Almighty is that God knows that we need it. So, every time that we read Scripture, every time that we reach out to Him, every time that we pray, we strengthen our belief in Him.

And as our faith grows, we feel His presence and His grace in our lives. 

Image by Tep Ro

Every time we read scripture . . .

By Norm McGraw


https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/010723.cfm
I John 5:14-21
John 2:1-11



The reflection on this week’s readings is a logical and emotional progression from last week’s readings, which laid the foundation for our belief in God.

Last week’s readings, from the gospel of John (John 1:1-18) establishes that. “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God . . . ” Last week’s readings from his epistle (1 John 2:18-21) also refers to the truth in God, and that “every lie is alien to the truth.”

This week’s readings build on that. It’s not by coincidence that this week’s readings are also from the same epistle of John as well as his gospel.

In that same epistle (1 John 5:14-21), he states “We have this confidence in God.” Later, continuing, he says, “We know we belong in God.” Still later, he says, “We are in the one who is true, in his Son, Jesus Christ.”

Earlier in that chapter, John refers on our belief in God and our faith in his only begotten Son when he states: “Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God, and everyone who loves the Father loves whoever has been born of him.” Continuing, he explains, “this is the testimony of God that he has borne concerning his Son.” 

This week’s second reading, from the gospel of John (John 2:1-11), describes an event at the beginning of Jesus’ mission here on earth. At the request of his mother, Jesus performed a miracle, changing jars of water into wine at a wedding feast in Cana. John concludes this passage this way: “Jesus did this as the beginning of his signs at Cana in Galilee and so revealed his glory, and his disciples BEGAN to believe in him. “ 

Like his epistle, John previews the event in Cana by recounting an earlier episode when Jesus recruited Nathanael as a disciple. When Jesus met Nathanael, the latter responded, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!”

The impression you get from this constant reinforcement of our belief in the Almighty is that God knows that we need it. 

In a book he wrote about his religious beliefs, former president Jimmie Carter commented on occasional self-doubts he would have regarding his faith. The classic comedy routine about Noah and God, first performed decades ago by Bill Cosby, also referred humorously to this human frailty. In the routine, Noah doesn’t really believe that God is the creator until the Deluge began.

God knows our weaknesses.

So, every time that we read Scripture, every time that we reach out to Him, every time that we pray, we strengthen our belief in Him.

And as our faith grows, we feel His presence and His grace in our lives. To quote the responsorial psalm, “The Lord takes delight in his people.” 

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