Remember (John 12:11)
The chief priests decided to kill Lazarus as well, since it was on his account that many were leaving them and believing in Jesus.
Reflect
Jesus had become too dangerous to have around, to be associated with
too dangerous to be with, to be listened to.
He asked questions and spoke in parables,
spoke of things some people considered seditious
and did not want to hear mentioned among the people.
For some people in countries where they do not have religious freedom,
following the Christian way can mean ridicule, persecution, being thrown in prison, even death in some countries.
For most of us who live in Christian countries it means maintaining attitudes which others may consider challenging or offensive e.g Turning a blind eye to prejudice, racism or injustice, looking after self as our number one priority in life,
injustice and inequality in society causing people to suffer
to poverty, deprivation and exploitation..
Jesus challenges
our exaggerated love of self comfort, or self-complacency,
our sense of superiority over others and exaggerated pride,
our blindness to the needs of others,
our desires for the latest of everything especially
when many do not have the basics.
Pope Francis keeps reminding us about global vaccine poverty
while we are so busy hovering up and hoarding supplies of same.
Are we not all equal in terms of needs and rights as God’s children?
A Story of excuses
Fr. Jack Mc Ardle in one of his books ‘And that’s the Gospel truth’, www.columba.ie tells the yarn: A young lad had just got his driving licence. He asked his father who was a religious minister, if they might discuss his use of the ‘family’ car. His father said to him,
‘I’ll make a deal with you. You bring your school grades up, study your Bible a little, and get your hair cut, and then we’ll talk about it.’
A month later the lad came back and again asked his father if they could discuss his use of the car again. His father replied,
‘Son, I’m real proud of you. You have brought up your school grades, you have studied your Bible diligently, but you didn’t get your hair cut.’
The young man waited a moment, and replied,
‘You know, dad, I’ve been thinking about that.
In the Bible Samson, Moses, Noah, even Jesus had long hair.’
His father replied, ‘Yes, son, you’re right and they used walk around everywhere – just goes to prove, you don’t need a car.
Smartness may be okay sometimes but straight forward truth and honesty in our dealings with others is also very important!
Prayer
Jesus,
You always helped Lazarus in his time of need
even raising him from the dead for his sisters sake.
In our bad times give us confidence, integrity, faith and honesty
in good times give us hope, joy, and perseverance
May we always remember to hold on to our truth and our dreams.
We ask this in your name.
Amen.
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