Isaiah 56:1-3, 6-8; Psalm 66; John 5:33-36
Prophet Isaiah speaks on salvation for believers and others. He says the Lord will bring to his holy mountain. Those who ‘Maintain justice and do what is right’, who keeps the Sabbath without desecrating it, and keeps their hands from doing any evil and even ‘foreigners’ who believe will also be welcomed.
Similarly, Psalm 24:3-4 captures this saying; “who shall go up to the mountain of the Lord, and who shall stand in his holy place? Those who have clean hands and pure hearts, who do not lift up their souls to what is false, and do not swear deceitfully.” Do you have clean hands? Is your heart pure?
In our gospel narrative, Jesus informs the crowd that he does not rely on the assertions of John the Baptist or anybody else because his words are authentic and originate from God. John, nevertheless, came to aid the populace in comprehension and faith. It is up to us to choose whether or not we will accept Christ and his teachings. Those who believe will come to the mountain of the Lord.
LET US PRAY
May your grace, almighty God, always go before us and follow after, so that we, who await with heartfelt desire the coming of your Only Begotten Son, may receive your help both now and in the life to come. Through our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen
