So there are three that testify,
the Spirit, the water, and the blood, and the three are of one accord. (1 John 5:7-8 NABRE)
At a time when two human witnesses were required to testify that something was true, John here tells us there are three divine witnesses which testify that Jesus is the son of God.
There is a range of interpretation of these words and I claim no special knowledge here, but the witnesses appear to be, in sequence: The Holy Spirit which has moved throughout human history to illuminate God for us, most notably in the Bible. The water of baptism, perhaps because it unites in the Spirit. And the blood, which may be a reference to the Last Supper, Jesus' Crucifixion, and/or the blood of the martyrs.
So, three divine witnesses tell me that Jesus is the son of God. And John points out that faith in Jesus is the source of eternal life and victory over the evils of this world.
Today, I will celebrate the testimony of the Spirit, the water, and the blood, which affirm Jesus as savior and son of God.
Saint Anthony of Padua, patron of lost items, pray for us.
Saint Rita, patron of parenthood, pray for us.
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