
Readings: Genesis 22:1-14; Psalm 43 (antiphon: v.5); Hebrews 9:11-15; John 8:42-59
In the name of the Father and of the +Son and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.
Moments before our Gospel reading many Jews believe in Jesus as He said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12) But breathes later they are rejecting Him. He, the Light of men, was judged by those who did not believe in Him. They did not trust in Him. They trusted in themselves. That’s the one thing God can not stand: self-love or self-trust. For you on your own apart from God are sinful. You can not accomplish any good thing with reference to God. In terms of your neighbour on this side of heaven where intentions, love, and faith matter less than what is actually done, yes, you can choose good, whether your heart truly wills it or not. But before God—where your faith, love and trust matter, for He knows and judges the secret heart—you can do no good.