5th Week of Lent – Saturday
Ezekiel 37:21–28. John 11:45–57.
Today’s gospel reading offers us a study of human nature in a case of high drama. The Jewish authorities are gravely concerned over the numbers of followers Jesus is attracting because of the signs and wonders he performs. They fear that, if this phenomenon continues, “the Romans will come and destroy both our holy place and our nation.” The high priest Caiaphas, however, is a practical man. He tells his compatriots: “You know nothing at all; you do not understand that it is better for you that one man die for the people, than that the whole nation perish” (Jn 11:50). Caiaphas embraced an expedient solution to the problem of Jesus. Rather than face Jesus, and examine the validity of his “signs,” he prescribes taking the easy way out: kill Jesus and all problems will be solved.
But God can use even impossible situations for our good and for our salvation. God can write straight with crooked lines. We need a new set of eyes to grasp that crookedness and evil (whether in me or in the other) can be used by God to make it an integral part of His merciful design. When Caiaphas, who was corrupt and who made it to the top, prophesies, “It is better for you that one man die for the people than that the whole nation perish” (Jn 11:50), John the Evangelist comments, “Caiaphas did not say this on his own, but as high priest that year he prophesied that Jesus would die for the Jewish nation, and not only for that nation but also for the scattered children of God, to bring them together and make them one” (Jn 11:51-52). Even Caiaphas becomes part of God’s design.
Whenever we have problems with our authorities, we must remember that God can even use corrupt people for His own glory. Even problematic superiors, elders, authorities and politicians can be used by God. The universe is not ruled by selfish men and women, though they can cause great harm to us individually and collectively. But if we allow God into the picture of our lives, then the scenario can change. A little mustard seed of faith in this regard can move great mountains of problems that we may be facing. Our God is a God of history, deeply involved in our lives—yours and mine.
Perhaps from today can we allow a little more space and time for Jesus? He can transform impossible situations for my good. Instead of worrying and fretting about situations, can we do something about them by allowing God and His Spirit to take charge of those moments? We need faith, a lot of faith… Our Lord is ready to grant even that for us!
The Lord will guard us as a shepherd guards his flock.
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