First Reading: Ezk 37:21-28; Psalm: Jer 31. R. v. 10d; Gospel: Jn 11:45-57

THE DECISIVE MOMENT

BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP

The arrest and death of Jesus was now imminent. The chief priests and the Pharisees were plotting. As they went to Jerusalem for the Passover Feast, they were no longer much concerned about worship but on how to arrest Jesus. They said to one another, “What do you think? That he will not come to the feast?” To broaden their search, they gave orders that if anyone saw Jesus they should be quickly notified.

Meanwhile, as they continued their search, Jesus withdrew with his disciples to a town called Ephraim being aware of their plot. Whenever Jesus withdrew in this manner; it was always a time of reflection for him. Nothing could be more frightening to see your own death coming so close that you have to prepare your heart to accept it coupled with the feelings that come with it. So this was a difficult moment for Jesus. Whatever was going on in his mind at this time couldn’t have overwhelmed him more than the love he has for us. The time to prove this love was near; and he had to be ready.

There is always this tensed moment in our life. The moment we are faced with the choice to make the right decision and face the pain that comes with it. That moment that we know that doing the right thing would cost us something as precious as life. Many have lost their jobs, some attractive opportunities, and even their happiness in their effort not to compromise what is right. Jesus also went through this phase in life. But he chose to lay down his life to save our soul. And this choice to do only the will of his Father led to his glorification. When we find ourselves in this crucial point in life; following the footsteps of Jesus is the best choice we could ever make.

PRAYER FOR THE DAY

Lord Jesus, when we are pressed down by the anxiety of choices, grant us the grace to do only the will of God our Father. Amen.