Daily Readings Reflection for 4/04/09

Reflection on the Daily Readings for 4/04/09 by Fr. Bertrand Buby, SM

Today’s Readings


Scripture: Saturday of 5 week of Lent.  Ezekiel 37:21-28. Jeremiah
31:10.11.12.13. John 11:45-47. Lectionary # 257:

Jesus speaks openly to all who listen to him; this, as we have seen,
includes those who are his opponents, his disciples, his relatives and even
the foreigners who were called Goyim or Gentiles. In our readings we have
seen how he does this in the Temple presincts--a place open to everyone
even the Gentiles. Some of the Greeks have asked Philip to help them find
Jesus.  Now with the approach of Passover, crowds are gathering and Jesus
is the one who attracts many of them.  There is a concern among the Jewish
leaders that this can create problems with the Romans who occupy their
country and pay close attention to anything that would be a threat to their
power.  The high priests and leaders fear that he may be the cause of a
revolt, moreover, he seems to be speaking against them and claims he is
equal to God.  The Romans could even take over the sacred Temple if he is
left alone in his troubling speeches and dialogues with the scribes and
Pharisees.  We can hear them whispering, "He is dangerous." What are they
to do?
Caiphas, the high priest for this year, quiets them as he prophetically
proclaims, "Can you not see that it is better for you to have one man die
(for the people) than to have the whole nation destroyed?" Those who hear
Caiphas agree with him and now seek an occasion to apprehend him.  Jesus
will need to celebrate the Passover before them for his time to die is
near.  He had always been devoted to the festival celebrations of Passover,
Tents, and Pentecost ever since his youth. Mary and Jospeh had taken him to
Jerusalem to do this many times and many years ago.

Are we ready to enter into the most solemn holy days that are approaching
us?  There is still ample time to prepare ourselves for them.  We do not
simply remember them or enact them as historical events in the life of
Jesus.  We are called to attempt to enter into the timelessness of God
through sacramental experiences just as the Jewish people do when they
recall and take themselves to Mount Sinai.  God's time is not
chronological. It is without time and we call it KAIROS or eternity.  We
can taste this mystical concept through our prayer and contemplation on
these fast approaching sacred days.  We can live this way by our
participation in the Holy Week liturgies of Holy Thursday (Eucharist and
Jesus' Passover Meal), Good Friday (the day Jesus dies), and the Easter
Vigil (the anticipation of his glorious Resurrection).  "Christ has died!
Christ is Risen! Christ will come again."  "Lord by your Cross and
Resurrection you have set us free, you are the Savior of the World."  "When
we eat this bread and drink this cup we proclaim your death Lord Jesus
until you come in glory." Amen.