that whoever sees the Son and believes in him shall live eternal life; and I will raise him up on the last day.”
REFLECTION:
The text in the first reading is sometimes used in Requiem Masses.
It speaks about death and the suffering of the good. No matter how great these sufferings are,
they cannot be compared with the peace that comes after death. “They seemed in the eyes of the foolish,
to be dead, and their passing away was thought an affliction… but they are in peace.”
The psalm shows the image of a shepherd, as applied to God, as the True Shepherd of
His people means a very personal and intimate relationship.
It is in the level of person to person and that He cares for His people individually.
After saying that He is the Bread of life that comes down from heaven,
it implies two main important proclamations: First—While the role of God the Son will be
central to the salvation of humankind. Second—we must not forget the role of God the Father.
It is God the Father who gives the Son those who will be the Son’s disciples.
Thus, Jesus assures us that he will throw out (ekballo) no one who comes to him.
The word ekballo comes from two Greek words, ek (out) and ballo (cast or throw).
It suggests a decisive act—force. The person who throws something out is getting
rid of it on purpose—is glad to be rid of it. Jesus assures us that we need not fear being cast out—expelled.
© Copyright Bible Diary 2020