Despite any rumblings or threat, he was totally committed to the mission entrusted to him by the father

Friday Week Four

Reading: John 7:1-2, 10:25-30 After this Jesus went about in Galilee. He did not wish to go about in Judea because the Jews were looking for an opportunity to kill him.

But after his brothers had gone to the festival, then he also went, not publicly but as it were in secret.  Now some of the people of Jerusalem were saying, ‘Is not this the man whom they are trying to kill? And here he is, speaking openly, but they say nothing to him.  Can it be that the authorities really know that this is the Messiah? Yet we know where this man is from.’ Then Jesus cried out as he was teaching in the temple. ‘You know me and know where I am from. I have not come of my own. But the one who sent me is true, and you do not know him. I know him, because I am from him, and he sent me.’ Then they tried to arrest him, but no one laid hands on him, because his hour had not yet come.

 Reflection

Jesus once again acknowledges his identity as Son of God. He has come from God and is undertaking the Mission assigned to Him by his Father Despite any rumblings or threat, he was totally committed to the mission entrusted to him by the father. His passion and death, the great redemptive act was prophesised in the Old Testament, ‘Surely, he has borne our infirmities and carried our diseases, yet we accounted him stricken, struck down by God and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions, crushed for our iniquities, upon him was the punishment that made us whole, and by his bruises we are healed. (Isaiah 53: 4-5). Many of the people recognise him and stated that they knew him. They have rejected him as he is ‘the carpenter’s son’ (Matthew 13:55) They question whether the authorities really know who he is as Messiah.  Jesus sees through their question and confirms his son-ship of God and his mission to bring life to all.

During this Lenten time, we can reflect on how Dr Martin Luther King, in his great work for freedom and racial justice for all of God’s people in America echoed the words of the gospel of Jesus. He asked the people to walk together to build a better future, "We cannot walk alone.”  and we must let go of all hatred, "Hatred paralyzes life; love releases it. Hatred confuses life; love harmonizes it. Hatred darkens life; love illuminates it."  Never succumb to the temptation of bitterness."

Standing together, is a theme taken up by Gerry and the Pacemakers in their song, ‘You will never walk alone.’ which is sung at many different events where communities need to stand together to support each other. Like Jesus, Martin Luther King paid the ultimate price for speaking truth to power. He was assassinated in Memphis, Tennesse on the 4th April 1968. for speaking the truth to power. He paid the ultimate price for died on 4th April 1968.

Lent is a time to deepen our commitment to prayerful celebration of the eucharist as we give thanks to God for this profound gift of his love. You may wish to attend the eucharist more regularly to pray for world peace.

 At this time of great civil and political unrest in our world, a period of fasting and intense prayer may help to break the cycle of evil that is poisoning our world.

You may wish to donate some alms to charities that support victims of racial injustice.

I am challenged by this passage in the following ways:

Do I know who I am as a daughter of God?

Do I know what Mission has been given to me by God?

Am I a joyful participant in this mission despite any threats that may be placed on my life?

Do I ask for God’s wisdom, grace and protection to fulfill whatever Mission God has given to me?

Do I give God the glory for the works that are done through me?

Prayer

Lord, I thank you for inviting me into relationship with you.

Thank you for the mission you have offered me.

May I be a faithful follower of your Gospel of love;

May I be unafraid to speak your name;

Spread the love of your name;

and if necessary, lay down my life for the sake of your name, Amen.