Thursday - 2nd Week of Easter 2017 - The source of evangelization

In seven verses, our Gospel today gives seven statements about Jesus’ true nature and his mission.

One, he comes from heaven, he is divine. Two, his testimony will be rejected. Three, He speaks God’s own words. Four, He is filled with God’s Spirit without limit. Five, He is God’s Son. Six, whoever believe in Him has eternal life. And seven, anyone who does not believe in Christ has no life.
During Easter we reflect upon our own need to spread the Gospel, to share our beliefs with others. Well, what exactly are we to share with others? There is so much about our faith, it can be overwhelming to choose what exactly to share with others.

The seven verses here at the end of chapter 3 give us seven key truths about Jesus Christ: who he is, why it is important to believe in him. Not a bad seven verses to memorize so that we can draw upon them in our conversations with others.

For remember, we study our faith, we read the Scriptures, not simply for our own edification, but that it might be shared and taught. We will never regret the time we spend studying and memorizing the Scriptures. For remember, as St. Jerome says, “Ignorance of the Scriptures is ignorance of Christ.” We learn the Scriptures, and study them, so that we can learn Christ and share Him with others.

Listen to the beautiful and challenging words of Vatican II concerning the role the Scriptures should play in our lives: The sacred synod also earnestly and especially urges all the Christian faithful, especially Religious, to learn by frequent reading of the divine Scriptures the "excellent knowledge of Jesus Christ". "For ignorance of the Scriptures is ignorance of Christ." Therefore, they should gladly put themselves in touch with the sacred text itself, whether it be through the liturgy, rich in the divine word, or through devotional reading, or through suitable instruction…”

Pope Francis said, “The sacred Scriptures are the very source of evangelization…The study of the sacred Scriptures must be a door opened to every believer. It is essential that the revealed word radically enrich our catechesis and all our efforts to pass on the faith….Let us receive the sublime treasure of the revealed word.”

May each of us continue to be enriched and challenged by the Word of God this Easter Season that the Word of God may lead us to deeper faith, integrity of life, Christian virtue, and courage in its proclamation for the glory of God and salvation of souls.

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Let us pray.
Through the resurrection, Christ confirmed the faith of his disciples and sent them out into the world, may all bishops and priests faithful preachers of the Gospel.
Through the resurrection, Christ became our peace and reconciliation, may all of the baptized be united in the perfect communion of faith and love.
For deeper commitment to studying and sharing the Word of God.
May the Lord look upon all of the sick and suffering and reveal in them the power of his glory.
Through the resurrection, Christ became the firstborn from the dead, may all the faithful departed be granted a share in Christ’s glory, especially…