Friday of the Fourth Week

Reflection

Today’s Gospel from John is a foreshadowing of Jesus’ death but also a clear statement that Jesus was sent from the Father of all. Many people knew that the authorities were seeking to arrest him, but were reluctant to do so, because, we are told, “his hour had not yet come.” 

The first reading (Wisdom) strikes some similar themes, that “God is his Father” and explains the tension between good people and why those who are evil wish to harm him. The wicked call him “obnoxious,” “reproachful,” and many other insults.  “Let us see,” they say, “whether his words be true; let us find out what will happen to him…With revilement and torture let us put him to the test that we may have proof of his gentleness and try his patience. Let us condemn him to a shameful death.”

This reading ends with the explanation that the wicked who wished to harm him did not understand how much “their wickedness blinded them,” and how much those who are holy will be eternally rewarded. They do not know the hidden things of God. 

The cruelty of those who killed Jesus is still with us, and too often we see that the innocent and those who speak with integrity and love are ridiculed and persecuted—not just in the U.S., but all over the world.

Prayer

God, give us the strength to stand, like Jesus, for what is good and holy, and not be afraid of what others may say or do. We know that you will never abandon us. Amen.

Vince Bolduc
Retired Professor of Sociology

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