Reflection
In the Gospel reading for today, the high priest Caiaphas prophesies that Jesus would not only die as one for the many—“so that the whole nation may not perish,” but also that Christ would “gather into one the dispersed children of God.” The Pharisees react in fear to these predictions; they become immediately convinced they must kill Jesus before any more signs and miracles are performed. At this point in the Gospel of John, Jesus has just raised Lazarus from the dead, and word of this astonishing miracle spreads quickly among the Pharisees. But the emphasis in this reading is really upon Caiaphas’ conviction that Jesus will unify the dispersed children of God after His death, a fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecy that “one shepherd for them all” will unite the divided kingdoms of Israel. Caiaphas is in many ways an unwitting messenger (John tells us that Caiaphas “did not say this on his own”), but his words can’t help but remind us of God’s promise of “an everlasting covenant of peace” that will bring an end to sorrow and division when we are united, finally, in the Kingdom of God.
Prayer
Loving Jesus, help us to be patient and faithful as we await the promise of Your Kingdom in the afterlife. You watch over us and protect us as a shepherd guards his flock, even in the midst of our most painful human divisions, exiles, and sorrows. Help us to hold fast to the promise in Jeremiah that You will always be there to console us in our suffering, and that You will turn our mourning into joy and gladness.
Joan Wry, Honors Program Director and Professor of English
Scripture
First Reading: Ezekiel 37:21-28
Psalm: Jeremiah 31:10-13
Gospel: John 11:45-56
Daily Scripture readings can be found online at the USCCB website
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