Daily Catholic Lectio. Fri, 4 April ’25. They were Seeking to Kill Him!

Daily Catholic Lectio

Fri, 4 April ‘25

Fourth Week of Lent – Friday

Wisdom 2:1, 12–22. John 7:1–2, 10, 25–30

They were Seeking to Kill Him!

The very presence of a just person becomes a stumbling block to the wicked—because it pricks their conscience.

In the First Reading, the author of the Book of Wisdom records the scheming of the wicked against the righteous. The division between the “righteous” and the “wicked” here is not primarily moral, but one of choice. Those influenced by Hellenization, who adopted Greek philosophy, gods, and way of life, are labelled as “the wicked.” Those who remained rooted in Hebrew wisdom, in Yahweh, and in the traditional way of life are called “the righteous.” The very existence of these righteous people created guilt in the hearts of the others. And thus, they sought to destroy them.

In the Gospel reading, confusion about Jesus begins to stir among the people. Though opposed by the authorities, He continues to speak openly. People are drawn to His words and begin to believe He is innocent. Yet, they still question: “We know where this man is from!” But Jesus opens their minds to what they do not know—His divine origin.

In the Gospels of Matthew and Luke, we read about the three temptations of Jesus in the wilderness. But in John’s Gospel, we see that Jesus was tested throughout His life—especially by those closest to Him. His own brothers test Him when they say: “Leave Galilee and go to Judea, so that your disciples may see the works you are doing… If you want to be known publicly, do not act in secret. Show yourself to the world!” (cf. John 7:3–4)

They challenge Him with: “Show yourself, and we will believe in you.” But had Jesus revealed Himself openly as the Messiah, no one would have accepted Him. They would only have mocked Him and moved on.

It’s like someone carrying a great treasure—if he says, “I have treasure,” no one believes him. Isn’t that true?

Today’s Gospel (John 7) shows us Jesus travelling in secret to Judea (Jerusalem), and the confusion that His presence stirs among the people.

“Could the authorities have truly accepted Him as the Messiah?” they ask.

“But we know where He comes from!” they say—missing the deeper truth of His origin.

The presence of the just is a stumbling block to the wicked (Wisdom 2:1, 12–22).

Questions for reflection: (a) What is it in me that becomes a stumbling block in accepting Jesus? (b) If my confusion about Jesus can only be cleared through personal experience, what steps am I taking to encounter Him more deeply?

Fr. Yesu Karunanidhi

Archdiocese of Madurai

Missionary of Mercy