Daily Catholic Lectio. Sat, 23 Mar 2024. One that unites us!

Daily Catholic Lectio

Sat, 23 March 2024

Saturday of the Fifth Week of Lent

Ezekiel 37:21-28. John 11:45-57

One that unites us!

As we are about to enter Holy Week, the gospel reading tells us that the Jews, who cease to dialogue or discuss with Jesus, choose to kill him.

The High Priest Caiaphas says, “You know nothing, nor do you consider that it is better for you that one man should die instead of the people, so that the whole nation may not perish.” John writes that he said it as a prophecy.

We can understand this prophecy at two levels: (a) One man’s death will unite all as one. (b) It is better to sacrifice one instead of killing the rest altogether.

When we read this, we become sad and anxious. This is the fact of life, and life treats us this way. It justifies the means for the sake of a cause. When we become scapegoats for others, the pain becomes unbearable.

In order to protect a big company, individual employees kill themselves through hard work.

In order to protect the big institution called family, each member kills himself or herself.

In order to protect the whole body, the sickly part is cut off.

In order to protect a big man, a little chicken or goat is sacrificed.

The little ones are instructed to die for the greater ones. The individuals are called to kill themselves for the sake of the community.

As soon as Jesus hears the words of Caiaphas, he begins to hide himself. He goes into the region near the desert. He undergoes the pre-death moment of his life.

In the first reading, the Lord God stands with the people of Israel, having gathered them as one nation.

What are the lessons for us?

(a) Jesus’ death unites us all. At Jesus’ death, all his enemies joined hands, as did Pilate and Herod. Jesus’ death removed sin and brought everyone closer to God.

(b) Victim mindset – Master mindset. Though Jesus was considered a victim by his contemporaries, he always held himself as a Master. No one can take away his life unless he freely gives it.

(c) Death experience. The people of Israel during the time of Assyrian and Babylonian exiles had a death experience. But, through this experience, they were led into the newness of life. Jesus hides himself in order to prepare himself for death and the resurrection.

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When God hides himself from us, he is preparing himself to show us more radiantly and more closely. (Jubilee A. D. 2025, bite 61)

Fr. Yesu Karunanidhi

Archdiocese of Madurai

Missionary of Mercy