Immaculata University Advent Reflection Booklet

December 16, 2011Third Friday of AdventYou have sent to John and he has testified to the truth. Notthat I accept human testimony; but I mention it that you maybe saved. John was a lamp that burned and gave light andyou chose for a time to enjoy his light. I have testimonyweightier than that of John. For the works that the Father hasgiven me to finish—the very works that I am doing—testifythat the Father has sent me. John 5:33-36Jesus claimed His Divinity; He tells the Pharisees that He doesthings only God can do. Jesus says in Vs 19-20 He is equal withGod; Vs 21 as God, He is the Giver of Life; Vs 22-23 He is thefinal Judge; Vs 24 He will determine the eternal destiny of humanity;Vs 25-29 He will raise the dead; Vs 30 He is always doing thewill of God. In Vs 31 Jesus bows to the rabbinical demand for witnessesoutside Himself as to His true nature. He tells us, “John wasa lamp that burned and gave light…” Jesus didn’t need John’s testimony,He says, “I have testimony weightier than that of John.” Yetelsewhere in the Gospels Jesus tells us, our works and our livesshould testify to what we believe. We are to be that light to others.Almost sounds like a contradiction, but it’s not. Jesus in our Gospelsays that He doesn’t need our witness for Himself. So, could itbe that we are the ones who need a witness of the Lord in our dailylives? Indeed, we need the witness and authentication of other’sespecially when we are weak, fearful, or in doubt. When we proclaimJesus as eternal God, it is faith, hope, and love that give usstrength to continue to believe in good times and in bad.God, our Father, John the Baptist pointed to your only begotten Son, Jesus, asMessiah and Lord. Let the light of truth shine forth in our lives that will directothers to Jesus. In this Advent Season, as we await Jesus' coming, may wemore deeply give ourselves in the loving example of Jesus Christ who is Lordforever and ever. AmenDr. Thomas F. O’BrienAssociate Dean, College of Graduate Studies