PHOTO OF SR. DOROTHY STANG
Many of the Jews therefore, who had come with Mary and had seen what Jesus did, believed in him. But some of them went to the Pharisees and told them what he had done. So the chief priests and the Pharisees called a meeting of the council, and said, What are we to do? This man is performing many signs. If we let him go on like this, everyone will believe in him, and the Romans will come and destroy both our holy place and our nation
They [the Jews] were looking for Jesus and were asking one another as they stood in the temple, What do you think? Surely he will not come to the festival, will he?
Jn 11, 45-48;56
Todays gospel is filled with tension and confusion. As I read, I can feel the pace speeding up. Many who heard him believed in him; others ran to the religious authorities to report his activities. No on knew what to do and they wondered what Jesus would do next. Surely, some said, he would not show up at the festival; he must know that he was a hunted man. The Pharisees and priests were panicky, and as is often the case when people do not understand something in their midst, they were afraid. They were afraid of Jesus, afraid of his followers, and afraid of what might happen to their power if the Romans came to put down unrest.
Jesus was a holy man who preached a radical message of mercy and forgiveness for all. His very presence caused confusion and polarized the Jews. Some heard his message, found hope, and believed. Others were scandalized. How could Gods favor be for all? Some worried about their position of leadership and power. No one who heard Jesus could remain neutral.
The uproar caused by Truth and Gods Word was not limited to ancient history. The same happens in todays world. Think of Dorothy Stang, the Notre Dame sister who was murdered as she worked with indigenous people to save the rain forest and protect the common people from those exploiting them and the great natural resource. Think of Nelson Mandela, Caesar Chavez, Shirin Ebadi, and others who have stood for truth and suffered because of it.
The powerful authorities in his world were unable to embrace Jesus and his revelation of God, and motivated by anger, greed, and fear, they killed him. Those who witness to truth and Gods kingdom today are often met with similar reactions, especially when they threaten the status quo. While our world is filled with violence, fear, ignorance, and greed, it is also blessed with modern prophets who challenge those in power to acknowledge the work of God we are called to do.
Holy One, we pray for strength to stand for justice, peace, and compassionate love in our world, and we give thanks for those whose lives and words speak your truth to power, regardless of personal cost.
© 2010 Mary van Balen
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