For if the just one be the son of God, he will defend him
and deliver him from the hand of his foes.
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;
for according to his own words, God will take care of him.” – Wisdom 2: 18 – 20
Reflection
Today’s readings from Friday of the Fourth Week of Lent, are difficult to read.
The readings are difficult because they deal with the reality of the plot to kill Jesus.
Indeed, they remind us about the true price of our salvation.
It is interesting to see the accuracy of the prophecy in the Book of Wisdom, the plot to kill the just one, which was eventually fulfilled in the life of Jesus.
It particularly strikes me to read that one of the reasons behind their plot is because, the just one reproaches them for their thoughts, and merely to see him is a hardship for them – Wisdom 2: 14-15.
Similarly in the Gospel, Jesus stays in Galilee, and does not want to travel in Judea because of the plot to kill him.
However, during the Feast of Tabernacles, He secretly goes up to the Temple.
Halfway through the Feast, the Lord begins to teach, others who are present, are amazed at His boldness since they know that there is a plot to kill Him; and again His plotters, plan to arrest Him.
At this point however, St John records that no one is able to lay hand on Him, because His hour has not yet come.
This is an amazing recollection, to remind us that, “if God is for us, who can be against us?” – Romans 8: 31
Indeed, if it was not God’s predetermined plan that “the Christ should suffer and die, and on the third day be raised, and repentance and forgiveness of sins preached in His Name” (Luke 24: 46 – 47) , then there would have been no way that the plotters would have succeeded in their plans to kill Jesus.
So, as we count down to Good Friday with two weeks left to the day when our Lord was crucified on Calvary, let us reflect deeply on the sufferings of Christ, for our Salvation.
Prayer
Merciful Lord, today as we reflect on the plot to kill You, our hearts are troubled within us.
We realise the hardships and suffering You went through in life and death, for love of us.
We see the constant rejection and persecution You endured throughout Your life.
And yet merciful Lord, You Who are Power beyond all forces imaginable, humbled Yourself and became as nothing…in strength.
Lord, Your humility amazes me and makes me wonder how I can ever be like You.
Fill me with Your love and mercy, and give me grace today, sufficient grace, to humble myself, take up my cross and follow You.
Thank You Jesus for the grace to live again today with You.
Amen.
Always & Forever,
To The Lamb.
With all my love.
16-March-2018