Jn. 7:40-53

     Disagreements - or differing opinions - are good for creating ideas and plans. But too much of it can kill a good thing.

     Jesus, in today s Gospel, had such experience - getting some people believe in what He was saying, and others totally rejecting Him.

     That may not have been an issue, except that pride and contempt were eating away the wisdom - or what's left of it - of those who didn't believe. Not only were they not thinking, they simply couldn't believe that someone of lower class can speak so well and make others take notice.

     That's often the root of many misunderstanding, like for instance the belief on religion. Each group seems to believe it has the monopoly of truth and dismisses what the others have to teach. That s why it doesn t really make sense to debate on religion.

     Jesus said He came not to sow peace but division (Mt. 10:34-36). Some will believe and others won't, that's for sure.

     What it means is that for one to believe, he must be on the path of goodness or seek his heart for this goodness or study the life of this prophet to believe.

     Even in following Christ, it is unwise to simply believe because somebody told us to be so. We have to know Him, like experience Him, to learn from Him.

     Then, it doesn't matter if others don't believe in what we're doing. Wisdom comes to those who seek it (Prov. 2:4-5). That is not possible for one whose eyes and heart are closed to the truth.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, fill us every day with Your presence for us to truly live in You. By this, we come to believe and trust that You are our true God who cares for and love us. Amen.