Deeds of a Christian - April 11th 2025

Summary

In this reflective meditation on the Gospel, the speaker emphasizes the divinity of Christ as demonstrated through His actions and His declaration, 'Before Abraham came to be, I am.' Drawing from Jesus' clear message to the people, the speaker explores how Christians must live out their faith through love, particularly by avoiding gossip and practicing fraternal correction. Inspired by the teachings of Pope Francis and Pope Benedict, the reflection encourages believers to act with gentleness and charity, pointing to Jesus' works as a model of how to embody His love in our own lives. The message concludes with a prayer for strength to live out these virtues.

Takeaways

• 😀 Jesus clearly asserts His divinity by claiming 'I AM', echoing God's words in Exodus, creating a choice between truth or falsehood.
• 😀 The people in Jesus's time reacted to His claim of divinity by attempting to stone Him, but He remained calm and continued His mission.
• 😀 Jesus points to His miracles as evidence of His divine authority, stating that His works validate His claim to be the Son of God.
• 😀 Jesus’s teachings and miraculous deeds are central to understanding His identity as the Father’s representative on Earth.
• 😀 Christians are called to live lives that align with their claims of faith, with deeds corresponding to their identity as disciples of Christ.
• 😀 Love for one another is the central marker that shows we are true disciples of Jesus, as highlighted by His commandment to love.
• 😀 The challenge of loving others requires both avoiding negative actions (like gossip) and engaging in positive ones (like fraternal correction).
• 😀 Gossip is condemned as a destructive force in relationships, leading to division, suffering, and scandal, while fraternal correction fosters growth and healing.
• 😀 Jesus teaches that fraternal correction should be done with courage, humility, and for the good of the other person, not out of vengeance or superiority.
• 😀 Pope Francis and Pope Benedict both emphasize the importance of fraternal correction, which should be guided by charity, prayer, and a spirit of meekness.

Q & A

What is the significance of Jesus' statement 'Before Abraham came to be, I am'?

This statement is significant because it is a direct claim to divinity. Jesus uses the same words 'I am' that God used to describe Himself in the book of Exodus, which connects Jesus to God's eternal nature. His declaration challenges the understanding of the Jewish leaders and points to His identity as the Son of God.

How do Jesus' works support His claim to divinity?

Jesus' miracles, such as healing the sick, casting out demons, controlling nature, and raising the dead, serve as evidence that He is one with God. He points to these works as validation of His claim, saying that even if people do not believe His words, they should believe in His works.

Why did the Jews want to stone Jesus after His statement about Abraham?

The Jews wanted to stone Jesus because they understood His statement as blasphemous. By claiming to be greater than Abraham and using divine language, Jesus was making Himself equal to God, which they considered a serious offense against their religious beliefs.

What does it mean for Christians to live a life that reflects their faith?

Living a Christian life means that our actions should align with our beliefs. This includes showing love for one another, as Jesus taught, and demonstrating kindness, humility, and charity in all that we do. Christians are called to follow Jesus' example through their deeds.

What is the relationship between deeds of love and the Christian identity?

Deeds of love, such as showing kindness, helping others, and practicing forgiveness, are outward signs of a Christian identity. These actions demonstrate that we are following Jesus' example and living in accordance with His teachings, which emphasize love as the core of Christian discipleship.

How does Pope Francis view gossip within the Christian community?

Pope Francis strongly condemns gossip, calling it a 'plague' that leads to division, suffering, and scandal. He emphasizes that gossip harms relationships and communities, and encourages Christians to replace gossip with fraternal correction, where issues are addressed directly and privately.

What is fraternal correction and how should it be practiced?

Fraternal correction is the act of gently and lovingly pointing out a fault or mistake to a fellow Christian, with the goal of helping them grow. It should be done with kindness, respect, and humility, focusing on the person’s well-being rather than judgment or condemnation.

Why is prayer important when preparing for fraternal correction?

Prayer is important because it helps the person offering correction to do so with the right intention—out of love and concern for the other person, not out of anger or pride. Prayer also provides the wisdom and humility needed to approach the situation in a way that is constructive and beneficial.

How can Christians avoid participating in gossip?

Christians can avoid gossip by not spreading rumors or talking negatively about others behind their backs. Instead, they should practice charity and speak directly with the person involved, offering help and correction in a respectful manner. It’s also important to be mindful of the impact words can have on relationships.

What role does love play in Christian discipleship according to the meditation?

Love is the central pillar of Christian discipleship. Jesus taught that love for one another is the defining characteristic of His followers. Christians are called to show love in all aspects of life, through acts of kindness, forgiveness, and by living out Jesus' teachings in their relationships with others.