Homily: Fourth Friday of Lent
Fourth Friday of Lent (John 7:1-2, 10, 25-30)
As we continue to read in the Gospel of John at our Lenten Eucharistic celebrations, we feel the tension growing between Jesus and powerful political and religious interests in Jerusalem. It is hard for contemporary Americans to understand what is going on in the Gospel Story. We are used to the separation of church and state. Religious leaders should stay out of politics. Politicians should refrain from interfering in religious matters.
In the culture in which Jesus lived there was no separation that was required or expected. The Sanhedrin, which we hear of during Holy Week, had power in the governance of the country and in the administration of the temple.
We hear about Jesus slipping into Jerusalem from Judea. He does not travel with his apostles, but he comes later. He is afraid that he will be killed. When we look at this situation considering the whole Gospel story it seems rather strange. Jesus does not flee on Holy Thursday night he stays around Jerusalem even though he knows he will be killed. He picks his moment to stand firm in his witness for justice.
Scholars have pointed out that Jesus did not have to die on the cross. He had several ways of avoiding this fate. He could have hidden himself as he does in this gospel. He could have agreed with the charges that were made against him or disagreed depending on what would have been expedient. The authorities, especially Pontius Pilate, did not want to put Jesus to death. If Jesus would have denied his beliefs he could have lived, but he would not.
Other historical figures have been confronted with the same choice. We can think of Martin Luther King. He knew that the violent forces of racism were closing in, but he did stop speaking out. We can also remember Oscar Romero and Mahatma Gandhi who were killed for seeking justice.
The difference with Jesus is that he came back from the dead. The forces of injustice did not prevail over him. Death did not defeat him, but death led to triumph and eternal life.
Reflection Questions:
- What people do I know who would not compromise their values to fit in? Do I think that was admirable or foolish?
- What is a belief that I will not give up? Why is that so important to me?
Dear Parishioners,
We are celebrating the Sacrament of Reconciliation with our Seton Grade School students and with are religious education students presently. The children are challenged when they must examine their conscience. It is hard for them to admit to committing sin. But this is an important part of their spiritual growth. We can’t change our lives until we name what needs to be transformed.
Usually, parents are glad that their children are learning about right and wrong. But often it seems like there is a sense of conversion being a childish pursuit. Conversion can happen at any time in life. Have we gone to confession for Lent yet? Remember that we are having confessions from 2:45 to 4 p.m. on Saturdays during Lent and we are celebrating the Sacrament of Reconciliation from 5 to 5:30 p.m. on Wednesdays.
May Our Lady of Peace intercede for our violent world this day.
Fr. Mark