April 19, 2016 - Tuesday

The feast of the Dedication was then taking place in Jerusalem. It was winter.
And Jesus walked about in the temple area on the Portico of Solomon.
So the Jews gathered around him and said to him, “How long are you going to keep us in suspense? If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly.”
Jesus answered them, “I told you and you do not believe. The works I do in my Father’s name testify to me. (John 10:22-25 NABRE)

During Hanukkah, Jesus had this particularly direct discussion with those who were listening to him teach in the temple.* It was winter, so Jesus was walking around on the east side of the temple area, on the Portico of Solomon, which offered protection against the cold winds from the desert.* The average temperature in Jerusalem in winter is about 50 degrees farenheit.*

Winter can be a time of desolation, of cold and isolation. It can bring to mind many things which disturb the spirit within us. And it can blot out the promise of spring if we do not focus our thoughts, at least at times, on that pleasant season we know will inevitably arrive.

So too with Jesus. In our human condition, as we struggle through many winters, may we remember that there is a promise that has been made to us. May all who know of Jesus and his promise of eternal salvation, turn to him and find themselves counted among those whom he calls "my sheep." And may we all share our faith with those around us, being witnesses to the ways he enters into our own lives.


Today, I will pray for those who do not believe even after they learn about Jesus.


Saint Gianna Beretta Molla, whose extreme sacrifice, sealed with your life, testifies that only those who have the courage to give of themselves totally to God and to others are able to fulfill themselves, pray for us.

Source: Wikimedia Commons