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Gospel for Thursday of the 4th Week of Lent

John 5:31-47

Summary: Jesus tells the Jewish leaders that his testimony is validated by God and John the Baptist, emphasizing that his miraculous works affirm his divine mission. Despite the Scriptures pointing towards him, they refuse to believe. Jesus criticizes their desire for human approval over divine, cautioning that Moses, whom they revere, will accuse them of unbelief.

Gospel Acclamation: God so loved the world that he gave his only-begotten Son, so that everyone who believes in him might have eternal life. (John 3:16)

Jesus Confronts Unbelief

Jesus said to the Jews:

“If I testify on my own behalf, my testimony is not true. But there is another who testifies on my behalf, and I know that the testimony he gives on my behalf is true. You sent emissaries to John, and he testified to the truth. I do not accept human testimony, but I say this so that you may be saved.

He was a burning and shining lamp, and for a while you were content to rejoice in his light. But I have testimony greater than John’s.

The works that the Father gave me to accomplish, these works that I perform testify on my behalf that the Father has sent me. Moreover, the Father who sent me has testified on my behalf. But you have never heard his voice nor seen his form, and you do not have his word remaining in you, because you do not believe in the one whom he has sent.

You search the Scriptures, because you think you have eternal life through them; even they testify on my behalf. But you do not want to come to me to have life.

“I do not accept human praise; moreover, I know that you do not have the love of God in you. I came in the name of my Father, but you do not accept me; yet if another comes in his own name, you will accept him.

How can you believe, when you accept praise from one another and do not seek the praise that comes from the only God? Do not think that I will accuse you before the Father: the one who will accuse you is Moses, in whom you have placed your hope. For if you had believed Moses, you would have believed me, because he wrote about me. But if you do not believe his writings, how will you believe my words?”

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