Jesus claimed to be one with God in the sense of being equal to Him,

equal power with God. I told you, and you do not believe.

The works that I do in my Father’s name bear witness about me.

Blasphemy was a crime punishable by death according to the Jewish Law.

The Jews picked up stones again to stone him.” 

 

＊＊＊ 1st Reading ＊＊＊     

Jeremiah 20:10-13

I hear many people whispering,

"Terror is all around! Denounce him! Yes, denounce him!"

All my friends watch me to see if I will slip: "Perhaps he can be deceived,"

they say; "then we can get the better of him and have our revenge."

But the Lord, a mighty warrior, is with me. My persecutors will stumble and not prevail;

 

that failure will be their shame and their disgrace will never be forgotten.

Lord, God of Hosts, you test the just and probe the heart and mind.

Let me see your revenge on them, for to you I have entrusted my cause.

Sing to the Lord. Praise the Lord and say: he has rescued the poor from the clutches of the wicked!

 

Ps 18:2-3a, 3bc-4, 5-6, 7

In my distress I called upon the Lord, and he heard my voice.

 

＊＊＊ Gospel ＊＊＊      

John 10:31-42

The Jews then picked up stones to throw at him; so Jesus said,

"I have openly done many good works among you, which the Father gave me to do.

For which of these do you stone me?"

The Jews answered, "We are not stoning you for doing a good work,

but for insulting God; you are only a man, and you make yourself God."

 

Then Jesus replied, "Is this not written in your law: I said, you are gods?

So those who received this word of God were called gods, and the Scripture is always true.

What then should be said of the one anointed and sent into the world by the Father?

Am I insulting God when I say, 'I am the Son of God'?

 

If I am not doing the works of my Father, do not believe me.

But if I do them, even if you have no faith in me, believe because of the works I do;

and know that the Father is in me, and I in the Father."

Again they tried to arrest him, but Jesus escaped from their hands.

He went away again to the other side of the Jordan, to the place where John had baptized,

and there he stayed. Many people came to Jesus, and said, "John worked no miracles,

but he spoke about you, and everything he said was true." And many in that place became believers.

 

Gospel Reflection ：

Being true to our identities helps us build connections.

In this passage, the themes of identity and belonging emerge as Jesus confronts challenges

from those who doubt His authority. When He declares, "I and the Father are one,"

He emphasizes His divine nature and His close relationship with the Father.

This statement encourages us to reflect on our identities and the bonds that shape us.

 

The conflict in this passage mirrors a typical human experience:

the quest for recognition and acceptance for who we truly are.

Just as Jesus faced doubt and hostility, we often find ourselves

in situations where our beliefs or identities are questioned.

 This passage encourages us to embrace our authentic selves, even in the face of opposition.

 

Jesus's strong belief in His identity inspires us to hold firmly to our beliefs and values.

Doing so can create a sense of belonging that transcends judgment and division.

This passage reminds us that, like Jesus, we can draw strength from

our relationships with others and with God.

Being true to our identities helps us build connections

based on understanding and kindness in a world that often feels divided.