Jn 8:12-20

Jesus spoke to them again, saying,

“I am the light of the world.

Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness,

but will have the light of life.” 

So the Pharisees said to him,

“You testify on your own behalf,

so your testimony cannot be verified.”

Jesus answered and said to them,

“Even if I do testify on my own behalf, my testimony can be verified,   

because I know where I came from and where I am going.

But you do not know where I come from or where I am going.

You judge by appearances, but I do not judge anyone.

And even if I should judge, my judgment is valid,

because I am not alone,

but it is I and the Father who sent me.

Even in your law it is written

that the testimony of two men can be verified.

I testify on my behalf and so does the Father who sent me.”

So they said to him, “Where is your father?”

Jesus answered, “You know neither me nor my Father.

If you knew me, you would know my Father also.”

He spoke these words

while teaching in the treasury in the temple area.

But no one arrested him, because his hour had not yet come.

Today's reflection from Bella Bonifazi and McKenna Curless, 11th graders at Powers Catholic High School (and graduates of Holy Family).

This day and age seems to be full of judgment. Judging someone in the hallway for their shoes, the way someone walks or talks, someone’s social media account, and even judging someone for choosing doors instead of wheels. It’s what our world revolves around. However, the person we seem to judge the most of all, is ourselves. It’s difficult to admit, but it’s true. We look at ourselves in the mirror and wonder, why don’t I look like them? Why can’t my hair cooperate today? My outfit is awful. I’m not good enough. We’ve all been there and it’s a challenge to truly love ourselves, to embrace being made in the image and likeness of God, instead of constantly shooting ourselves down. 

In the Gospel, Jesus says, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” Jesus also says, “You judge by appearances, but I do not judge anyone. And even if I should judge, my judgment is valid, because I am not alone.” God is always with us. When we bring ourselves and others down with judgment, we are walking away from Him. Jesus tells us that when we follow Him, we can truly find happiness. He is not quick to judge anyone, for we were made in His image and likeness. We are truly unique and made for more. God will always be looking out for us and as we continue our Lenten journey, it is important to remember this. 

Lent is a time to really reflect on passages like these and focus on what to work on and pray about this season. If judgment is something that you struggle with, don’t hesitate to pray to Jesus and offer it up to Him. Find a way to work on living free of judgment everyday throughout this Lenten season. God wants to be with you on this journey, for He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life and He will make this process much easier than it seems. With Him, nothing is impossible!  

Please click play to join us in our prayer for today, as members of our Powers Catholic choir class sing today's psalm.

Have you missed a day or wish to see something again? Check out the archive of our past #HappyLent2022 emails.