Gospel: John 11:45-56
Many of the Jews who had come to Mary
and seen what Jesus had done began to believe in him.
But some of them went to the Pharisees
and told them what Jesus had done.
So the chief priests and the Pharisees
convened the Sanhedrin and said,
“What are we going to do?
This man is performing many signs.
If we leave him alone, all will believe in him,
and the Romans will come
and take away both our land and our nation.”
But one of them, Caiaphas,
who was high priest that year, said to them,
“You know nothing,
nor do you consider that it is better for you
that one man should die instead of the people,
so that the whole nation may not perish.”
He did not say this on his own,
but since he was high priest for that year,
he prophesied that Jesus was going to die for the nation,
and not only for the nation,
but also to gather into one the dispersed children of God.
So from that day on they planned to kill him.
So Jesus no longer walked about in public among the Jews,
but he left for the region near the desert,
to a town called Ephraim,
and there he remained with his disciples.
Now the Passover of the Jews was near,
and many went up from the country to Jerusalem
before Passover to purify themselves.
They looked for Jesus and said to one another
as they were in the temple area, “What do you think?
That he will not come to the feast?”
The Gospel of the Lord.
The Mass intention is for Kathleen H Thanksgiving (OL)
Reflection:
While many people came to believe in Jesus when He raised Lazarus (Mary and Martha’s brother) from the dead, the Jewish leaders wanted Him dead. Their burning desire to get rid of our Lord is based on fear: If we leave Him alone, all will believe in Him, and the Romans will come and take away both our land and our nation.” Their lame excuse to kill Jesus was because of the nation. Some have commented that by plotting the death of Jesus, the Jewish leaders have made it much easier for the Romans to destroy their land and nation. In 70AD, the Temple of Jerusalem was burned, and the Jewish state collapsed.
By becoming one like us, except sin, Jesus brings meaning in our lives. Like the crowds during His time, He has also touched our lives, bringing the best in us. However, there are instances when we see Him more of a nuisance than a life-giver. Like the Jewish leaders, we want Him out of our lives. We do not want Him to be in control lest we lose what we think is more valuable to us. As we head towards Holy Week, let us take time to think of our priorities. Let us rediscover and receive the life that Jesus brings to us, if only we allow Him to.
- How can Jesus be a life-giver to you?
- How does Jesus become a nuisance to your priorities in life?
- How do you “set your hearts on things above” (Colossians 3:1-4)?
Lord Jesus, thank You for Your Word today. Forgive us for those times when we see You as a stumbling block on our ambitions and priorities in life. Renew us by the life You share. Amen.
Suggested Lenten penance: Give comfort to someone who is afflicted.
(Pietro)
