Saturday Week Four
Reading: John 7: 40-52
When they heard these words, some in the crowd said, ‘This is really the prophet.’ Others said, ‘This is the Messiah. But some asked, ‘Surely the Messiah does not come from Galilee, does he?’ Has the scripture not said that the Messiah is descended from David and comes from Bethlehem, the village where David lived?’ So, there was a division in the crowd because of him. Some of them wanted to arrest him, but no one laid hands on him.
Then the temple police went back to the chief priests and Pharisees, who asked them, ‘Why did you not arrest him?’ The police answered, ‘Never has anyone spoken like this!’ Then the Pharisees replied, ‘Surely you have not been deceived too, have you? Have any of the authorities or of the Pharisees believed in him? But this crowd which does not know the law – they are accursed. Nicodemus who had gone to Jesus before, and who was one of them, asked, ‘Our law does not judge people without first giving them a hearing to find out what they are doing, does it?’ They replied, ‘Surely you are not also from Galilee are you? Search and you will see that no prophet is to arise from Galilee.’ Reflection
‘No prophet is to arise from Galilee’ displays an ignorance of the Old Testament. In (Jonah 1:1-2) we read, ‘Now the word of the Lord came to Jonah son of Amittai, saying, ‘go at once to Niniveh, the great city and cry out against it, for their wickedness has come before me.’ Amittai was from Gath-Hepher was in Zebulun's old territory, the same region later known as Galilee. (Joshua 19:13–15)
In this reading we see how prejudice blocks faith and belief. The crowd were divided about the authenticity of the messenger in their midst; some thought that this could be the Messiah; others denied it because they thought that he did not have the correct heritage to proclaim the message of God. After all, this man had come from Galilee and no prophet was expected to emerge from this place. ‘Search and you will see that no prophet is to arise from Galilee’ (John 7:52) The Holy Spirit moves where it will, often in unexpected places and touches the hearts of the temple police who are open to the voice of holiness. They acknowledged that never before had anyone spoken like Jesus. The Pharisees remained obstinate in their disbelief but Nicodemus who had gone to Jesus at night and asked him how he was doing what he was doing if God was not with him had the actions of the Holy Spirit explained to him by Jesus. ’Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God without being born from above.’ (John 3: 3) He was reassured that ‘whoever believes in the Son has eternal life.’ (John 3:36) and ‘Our law does not judge people without first giving them a hearing to find out what they are doing, does it?’ Here he shows us a new way of relating to people. He challenged the authorities to give Jesus a hearing before making a judgement against him. This encounter could have cost Nicodemus his life as he challenged the authority of those who were trapped in their prejudice and ill intent.
I am challenged to let go of all prejudice in my life. God uses whom so ever He wishes to convey his message of love to all people. He is not interested in heritage, education or social background to let us know how much he loves us and wants us to share in His mission. I have to be open to the opportunities that He offers me each day to listen to his voice and respond to his call to be a joyful messenger of His truth in my life. So often, he used the wounded or broken of the world to demonstrate his message and he will continue to do this. I cannot allow my fear of difference or any prejudice to block his mission of love to the world. I ask for the grace to be open to his voice and to respond in love to whatever he may ask of me.
A prophet of our time, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a Lutheran pastor, and theologian, was executed by the Nazis in 1945 for his involvement in the resistance against Hitler and his strong Christian convictions. His life and writings continue to inspire Christians worldwide to stand against all forms of prejudice and discrimination.
As we enter ever more deeply into Lent do you feel a sense of joy at the power of the Holy Spirit to ‘move where it will’, to surprise you and draw you closer to God.
Write your prayer of contrition for any act or thoughts of prejudice that you may have felt towards any race or nation.
Donate to a charity of your choice in reparation for this failing.
Prayer Lord, I ask you to cleanse my heart of all prejudice;
I know that you use many different messengers to bring good news to all people;
May I welcome your messengers;
May I be open to the message that they bring;and live by your law of love this day and always, Amen.
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