Friday of the Fourth Week

Reflection

As during Advent, Old Testament readings (often Isaiah) presage the Gospel accounts of Christ’s birth.  During Lent, the Old Testament readings (in this case Wisdom) are juxtaposed with the New Testament events of His passion and death.  In the Book of Wisdom, the “righteous one” is rebuked and despised.  He is even threatened with bodily harm – since He claims to be the child of God, let us see if His God will save Him.  This seems to anticipate Christ’s temptation in the desert, and also His rebuke on the cross.  It is easy to see why Christians have frequently interpreted this passage to refer directly to Christ.

 In the New Testament (John), Christ visits Judea, despite threats against His life by the Jews, to celebrate the Feast of the Tabernacles with His brothers.  Some of the inhabitants of Jerusalem wondered why the authorities were not acting against Him though He was teaching openly.  They tried to arrest Him but failed to do so as “His hour had not yet come.”

At another level, we too at times are annoyed at the “righteous one.”  “Righteous” is, after all, only a step away from “self-righteous.”   Is this annoyance, in part, a guilty feeling on our part because of our own imperfection?  Or is it because we think that “goody-goody” people just aren’t much fun?

Prayer

Lord, help us to rejoice in the goodness of others, as it reflects Your goodness. 

Bill Thompson, Member of the Worshipping Community

Scripture

First Reading: Wisdom 2:1a, 12-22

Psalm 34:17-21, 23

Gospel: John 7:1-2, 10, 25-30

Daily Scripture readings can be found online at the USCCB website