7 June 2024 - Only By Grace Reflections

TOPIC: ARE YOU ALWAYS ON THE SIDE OF THE TRUTH?

First Reading: Hosea 11: 1, 3-4, 8c-9
Responsorial Psalm: Isaiah 12: 2-3, 4, 5-6
Second Reading: Ephesians 3: 8-12, 14-19
Alleluia: Matthew 11: 29ab or First John 4: 10b
Gospel: John 19: 31-37

Jewish leaders show themselves more concerned with ritual, than the reality of what they were doing. Since it was the preparation for the Passover and since the three bodies of those crucified (Jesus and the two thieves) should not remain on the cross on the Sabbath day, they went to Pilate and asked that their legs might be broken to ensure they would be dead, and may be taken away.

When the soldiers came to break the legs of the three crucified, they saw that Jesus was already lifeless, and did not break His legs. Nevertheless, to be sure, one of the soldiers pierced Jesus’ side with a spear, causing blood and water to flow. Dr. Anthony de Bono wrote that Jesus had a haemothorax which, in the stillness of the dead body, had separated into two layers: the heavier red cells below and the light watery plasma above. The withdrawal of the spear would have been followed first by the red cells (blood) then by the lighter plasma (water). This validated that Jesus was already dead, thereby fulfilling the scriptures: “not one of His bones will be broken” and in another, “they will look at Him whom they have pierced”.

This is the 1502nd installment of our CFC contemplation series focusing on the daily liturgical readings.

[NOTE: As we continue to pray for Bro Bong Arjonillo’s healing and recovery, let us listen to our brother Jess Ferrer, Head of the CFC Migrants Program, as he brings us today's reflection.

All the regular reflections are between 3-7 minutes long, enough