Jesus uses very simple, direct and convincing logic in the gospel passage today. If the people of Israel were really true to Moses and his teachings, they would recognize Jesus and be true to his teachings as well – for it was about Jesus that Moses wrote.
Jesus himself says that he himself does not even speak on his own behalf but only that which comes from the Father. The Father testifies to him. Everything comes from the Father. Everything is going back to the Father. The Father must be our object of praise, worship, glory and thanksgiving!
In the first reading today from the book of Exodus we see Moses pleading with God on behalf of the people – not to destroy them for having turned against him both internally and externally – in their minds and hearts, and in making a golden calf to worship! Moses tries to reason with God telling them that it would not look right for the "neighbors" to think that God led the people out of slavery in Egypt only to kill them in the desert. In this case "what the neighbors think" held a lot of weight – because God changed his mind and did not exterminate them.
God's only desire – always – is to rescue his people – to save them from what they need saving from - to show them deep compassionate and merciful love – for his is their Father – and he wants them to be and act like his beloved children.
May we today – God's adopted children by baptism – rejoice that we are so highly favored as to have God send his only-begotten Son to redeem us. May our faith this day be our ticket to eternal life! All it takes is faith – and good works! May our good works prove that we are faithful, trusting, loving children of God the Father!
Amen.
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