FOURTH WEEK OF LENT ....... SATURDAY 09.04.11
JOHN 7:40-52 ..... WOULD THE CHRIST BE FROM GALILEE ?
His kith and kin did not take him at his words because of familiarity. His townsfolk despised him because of his humble origins.The common people, confused and ignorant, did not believe in him thinking that he was not born, as foretold, in Bethlehem and of King David's lineage. The Scribes and Pharisees hated him for being their critic and rejected him out of pride, prejudice and bitter envy.The religious establishment failed to properly investigate the background and teachings of Jesus. Nicodemus was the only person who defended Jesus even at the risk of being ridiculed. Do we have the courage to take a stand for Jesus or for Justice in the face of severe opposition ? Some were attracted by his powerful charisma, teachings and miracles but could not commit themselves to faith in him. Only a few loved him and believed in him. But none of Jesus' enemies could lay hands on him, because 'his time had not come'. Jesus is God and he chooses His 'time' when to 'lay down his life'.
"He came to the things which were his and his people did not take him to their hearts." John 1:11
But Jesus did not complain or grumble about his rejection or injustice or about life's unfairness towards him.He had come to suffer and he had come to die for us. His only source of strength was his Father in prayer.
Have we also experienced rejection in our own lives ? Some time or the other in our lives we may also have been victims of prejudice, discrimination, envy and injustice.We may be suffering from depression and dejection. Let us ask God to remove the bitterness from our hearts and grant us the gift of forgiveness and the generosity to pray for those who have treated us unfairly in life.
"Jesus prayed, ' Father, forgive them; they don't know what they're doing." Luke 23:24
Humanly it is not possible to forgive, but in faith and with God's grace and strength it becomes possible. Just make a try today, we have nothing to lose but everything to gain.Experience the freedom and joy of granting forgiveness. It only comes gradually over time.
There are only two positions we can take with regard to Jesus. Either we are for him or against him. Either we believe in him or reject him. No one can ignore him. If we are for Jesus, do we love him with the required ardor and zeal ?
God Bless.
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