Reflection for March 21 Saturday of the Fourth Week of Lent: John 7:40-53

Gospel: John 7:40-53

Some in the crowd who heard these words of Jesus said, “This is truly the Prophet. Others said, “This is the Christ. But others said, “The Christ will not come from Galilee, will he? Does not Scripture say that the Christ will be of David’s family and come from Bethlehem, the village where David lived? So a division occurred in the crowd because of him. Some of them even wanted to arrest him, but no one laid hands on him.  

So the guards went to the chief priests and Pharisees, who asked them, “Why did you not bring him? The guards answered, “Never before has anyone spoken like this man. So the Pharisees answered them, “Have you also been deceived? Have any of the authorities or the Pharisees believed in him?

But this crowd, which does not know the law, is accursed. Nicodemus, one of their members who had come to him earlier, said to them “Does our law condemn a man before it first hears him and finds out what he is doing? They answered and said to him “You are not from Galilee also, are you? Look and see that no prophet arises from Galilee.”  

Then each went to his own house.

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Reflection:

Do we find time to read the words of Jesus in the Bible with reverence?

When we approach the words of Jesus with humble and open hearts, we allow the Lord Himself to speak to us. In that sacred moment, His voice gently reaches the depths of our souls, awakening something within us that the world cannot give. We begin to experience a quiet transformation—a renewal that brings new meaning and purpose to our lives.

Even those who were sent to arrest Jesus were not immune to the power of His words. They came with a mission, yet they left changed—touched, moved, and drawn to Him. Such is the mystery and power of His Word: when we truly listen, something within us begins to shift, soften, and come alive.

Let us, then, take time to read His words with reverence and attentiveness. As we do, His Word slowly takes root in our hearts, shaping our thoughts, guiding our choices, and transforming the way we live. His words are not merely to be read—they are meant to be received, pondered, and lived.

But in the midst of our busy lives, filled with worries and responsibilities, do we still make space for Him? Do we intentionally set aside moments to sit quietly in His presence and listen? No matter how full our days may seem, we are called to create time for this sacred encounter. For it is here that we find peace in the midst of uncertainty, clarity in confusion, and strength in our weakness.

Whether we are opening the Bible for the first time or returning after a long absence, let us not be discouraged. The Holy Spirit is always with us—ready to enlighten our minds, warm our hearts, and lead us gently into the truth. And as we persevere, we will begin to notice a transformation—subtle yet powerful—unfolding within us.

A transformation that not only renews our own lives but also becomes a blessing to those around us.

And so, let us ask ourselves: Will we continue to let the noise of the world fill our days, or will we make time to listen to the life-giving words of Jesus—allowing Him to transform us from within? —Marino J. Dasmarinas