Friday 24th March 2023. Readings: Wisdom 2:1,12-22, Ps. 34:16,18,19-21,23, John 7:1-2,10,25-30
“Is not this the man whom they seek to kill? And here he is, speaking openly, and they say nothing to him! Can it be that the authorities really know that this is the Christ?” (John 7:25-26)
Being a Christian is an invitation to a road less traveled; it is standing for what is right and having to face ridicule, insults, oppression, pain, and humiliation. Jesus, being fully human was aware of the threat to his life so he did not go openly with his disciples to the Feast but went privately.
However, upon getting there, Jesus would not allow fear to close his lips. He still came out to preach in public. People were wondering how Jesus managed to get the audacity to preach when his life was at stake.
As the book of Wisdom says: “Ungodly men reasoned unsoundly saying; ‘Let us lie in wait for the righteous man, because he is inconvenient to us and opposes our actions; … let us test what will happen at the end of his life; … Let us test him with insult and torture, … Let us condemn him to a shameful death, … Thus, they reasoned, but they were led astray, for their wickedness blinded them.” (Wisdom 2:12-21).
Those who wanted Jesus dead had an image of Christ in their minds but Jesus did not fit their expectation. They knew Jesus too well as the son of the carpenter to believe that He is God. Jesus told them that if only they really knew God, they would not have had any problem believing He is the Son of God.
Even today, the greatest persecution we face comes from those who claim to know God but do not know Him. This is exactly the point the book of wisdom makes in its conclusion: “They (these ungodly men) do not know the hidden things of God; they have no hope that holiness will be rewarded; they can see no reward for blameless souls.” (Wisdom 2:22).
One lesson we learn from Jesus’ action today is that even when our life is under threat, we should not be afraid to continue our good works. Do not drop the cross. Be faithful to the end.
Let us pray: Heavenly Father, help me to understand that there are trials that must come, and may I never give up when I face persecution for your sake. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Friday of the 4th week of Lent, Bible Study: Wisdom 2:1,12-22, Ps. 34:16,18,19-21,23, John 7:1-2,10,25-30).
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus Abu
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