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 know that this is the Christ?” (John 7:25-26)
Growing up, I thought that righteous living earns the love and admiration of others. Seeing how my parents and teachers clapped and celebrated me for good behavior, I never imagined that righteousness also attracts enemies. Jesus Christ was completely sinless yet hated by many. There are many lessons contained in today’s readings. However, we shall highlight a few:
1. Goodness Attracts Enemies: Do not expect to be loved for living a righteous life. This is why Jesus warned that anyone who wants to follow Him must carry their cross. “If you belonged to the world, the world would love you as its own. Because you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world therefore the world hates you.” (John 15:18-19). Be good, not for the sake of attracting the applause of people but for God’s sake. As long as you desire to serve God, be prepared for attacks and tests (Cf. Sirach 2:1). Do not be a mediocre Christian lest you fail when tested, and then you become a laughing stock of those who do not believe that good people are still in existence.
2. Why Does Goodness Attract Enemies? The Book of Wisdom says: “Ungodly men reasoned unsoundly: ‘Let us lie in wait for the righteous man, because he is inconvenient to us and opposes our actions. Let us test him with insult and torture.” (Cf. Wisdom 2:12-21). Evil doers, having made themselves God’s enemies, are constantly at war with God’s children. In Revelation 12:17, we read: “Then the dragon was angry with the woman, and went off to make war on the rest of her children, those who keep the commandments of God and hold the testimony of Jesus.” Righteousness annoys those who have sold their souls to the devil.
3. Be Innocent as a Dove and Wise as a Serpent: Although Jesus is God, He acted cautiously when he knew his life was at stake. He did not go to the Feast with his disciples publicly. There is a difference between martyrdom and suicide. If you know that people are out for you, walking majestically into their traps would be unreasonable. God, who gave us the ability to think, will not be happy if we rely only on our faith. While working with reason, we must never forget that God is with us. Later, Jesus went to the Feast because that was His mission. Do not let fear prevent you from letting your light shine. Be cautious but not faithless.
4. He May Not Meet Your Expectations, Yet He Remains God: Some people were surprised to see Jesus preaching publicly. It had become common knowledge that the authorities were seeking his life. They wondered: “Is this not the man the authorities are seeking to kill?” By referring to Jesus as “the man,” they did not believe that Jesus was the Christ. Jesus couldn’t be God for them because He did not fit their expectations. Jesus did not fall from the sky but took flesh in the womb of a woman. Jesus, knowing their thoughts, proved His Divinity by responding to their questions. Jesus told them that if they only knew God, they would believe that He is Christ. God may not meet your expectations; He may not check all the boxes, yet He remains God.
Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, help me understand that trials must come, and may I never give up when I face persecution for your sake. Through Jesus 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 E. Abu