To read the texts click on the texts: Ezek37:21-28; Jn 11:45-56
The
first two verses of today can be seen as the conclusion of the miracle story of
the raising of Lazarus. While some of those who witnessed the miracle respond
positively, others do not. However, the number of those who believe is more
than that of those who do not as is evident in the use of “many” for those who
believed and “some” for those who did not. The chief priests and Pharisees respond
to the information they receive about the miracle by calling a meeting during
which they discuss the fate of Jesus. Their main concern seems to be their own
loss of power. They do not seem really interested in the destruction of the
temple or even Jerusalem but with the effect that Jesus’ popularity will have
on their own selfish interests.
Caiaphas
who was high priest speaks on behalf of all of them. Even as he wants Jesus to
die so that greater trouble can be avoided, he is in fact unknowingly prophesying
about the true meaning of the death of Jesus. Though his sole aim is political
expediency, he is collaborating in God’s plan of salvation for the whole of the
human race. He uses his power to suppress God’s word but in effect witnesses to
him. In his death Jesus would gather together all the scattered people of God
to bring them to a union and unity never witnessed before.
Jesus
retreats to Ephraim after the Sanhedrin’s decision. This retreat, however, is
not to escape death but to control its time. Jesus will not go to his death
until his hour arrives. It is God who decides that hour and no amount of human
plotting or planning can hasten its arrival.
Even
as the Passover draws near, questions remain about whether Jesus will come to
the feast or not. It is not clear whether those who are looking for him have a
positive or malicious intent. The question, however, reinforces the idea that
Jesus acts not according to the will of human beings but of God and if God so
ordains then no matter what the threat or consequence, Jesus will do what is
required.
God’s
ways are not our ways. As high as the heavens are from the earth so are God’s
ways different from ours. It is not always possible to accept this simple truth
and there are times when we try to go faster than the Holy Spirit because of
our impatience. We are reminded as we reflect on today’s readings that there
will be numerous times when we will knowingly or unknowingly try to upset the
plans of God because they do not fit in with what we think is good for us. At
times like these we too behave like the adversaries of Jesus. We have to
realize that no matter how much we try we will never be able to upset God’s
will for the world though it might seem sometimes that we have and can. When we
witness evil overpowering good, selfishness dominating selflessness or fear
overtaking love, then it might seem that we have done so. However, these
“victories’ are only temporary as was the victory of the ones who crucified
Jesus on the cross. In the final race it is always God who wins, it is always
selflessness that come first and it is always love that will overcome.
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