1st Reading: Ez 37:21-28; Psalm: Jer 31. R. v. 10d; Gospel: Jn 11:45-57

DON’T PLOT AGAINST THE INNOCENT

BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP

Reading the gospel of today, it was as if the raising of Lazarus quickened the plan of the Jews to kill Jesus. Many of the Jews who witnessed this miracle believed in Jesus. But obviously there were some who frowned at Jesus’ rise to prominence and out of their selfish displeasure took the matter to the Pharisees. So the chief priests and Pharisees called a council to do something quickly about Jesus before he puts them in trouble. The fear was that Jesus’ rise to prominence could be interpreted as usurpation by the Roman government who rule them. And this could subsequently lead to an attack and destruction of their town and temple by the Romans.

Caiaphas who was their high priest at that time suggested that it was fitting for one man to die for the people than for the whole nation to be destroyed. By saying this, he inadvertently prophesied the death of Jesus. They reached this consensus and were on the lookout for Jesus. They even gave orders to the people gathering for the Passover Feast to raise an alarm should in case any of them sees Jesus. This would be like “whistle-blowing” or making a “wanted poster” in our own modern time.

Jesus’ death is very near and we can feel the atmosphere tensing up. Jesus even had to withdraw as a way to preparing himself. Sometimes we just wish certain things shouldn’t happen because of the anxiety that accompanies it. But then again it dawns on us that we must face our fears and embrace our fate when certain conditions work against us. It is even more painful and hard to accept when the harm coming to us is from our own people. Don’t be in the company of evil plotters. Don’t even be an accomplice. Because that harm done to the innocent will haunt you for a life time.

PRAYER FOR THE DAY

Lord Jesus, we are sorry for the many times we betray you in others. Amen.