Thursday, September 17
Liturgical Color: Green
Today is the optional memorial of St.
Robert Bellarmine, bishop and doctor of
the Church. A member of the Society of
Jesus, he was a passionate defender of
the Church during the Reformation. St.
Robert died in 1621.
Day 260 - The Unbelief of Jesus’ Brethren
Today’s Reading: John 7:1-9
1 After this Jesus went about in Galilee; he would not go about in Judea, because the Jews sought to kill him. 2 Now the Jews’ feast of Tabernacles was at hand. 3 So his brethren said to him, “Leave here and go to Judea, that your disciples may see the works you are doing. 4 For no man works in secret if he seeks to be known openly. If you do these things, show yourself to the world.” 5 For even his brethren did not believe in him. 6 Jesus said to them, “My time has not yet come, but your time is always here. 7 The world cannot hate you, but it hates me because I testify of it that its works are evil. 8 Go to the feast yourselves; I am not going up to this feast, for my time has not yet fully come.” 9 So saying, he remained in Galilee.
Today’s Commentary:
his brethren: Close relatives of Jesus, but not biological siblings. Although lacking in faith here, they later become believers (Acts 1:14).
I am not going up: The expression has two levels of meaning: (1) It is not yet time for Jesus to travel up to Jerusalem, (2) nor is it time for him to ascend in glory to the Father (20:17).