In the Gospel of john, Jesus is constantly going back and forth from Jerusalem. John records four visits to the Holy City, each filled with dramatic action.
His first visit takes place near the feast of Passover, as does his final visit. It’s on this first visit that Jesus drives the merchants and money-changers from the temple. Already in this first visit, many came to believe in Him, but many came to reject Him.
In his second visit, again at the time of a Jewish feast, Jesus heals the crippled man at the pool of Bethesda. His actions again are controversial, for he cures the man on the Sabbath, claiming the authority of God, to do so. For this, John tells us that the Jews tried to kill him all the more.
Today’s Gospel takes place on the third visit, this time near the feast of Tabernacles, around late September, early october. Though he was facing death threats, he knew his time had not yet come, but opposition and tension continues to mount when Jesus claims he is sent by God his Father to testify to the truth, and that the world hates him because the world hates the truth; truth exposes wickedness, bringing its darkness to light.
When the first reading from the book of Wisdom says that the righteous man is obnoxious to the wicked, it is certainly speaking about Jesus. He speaks the truth, he exposes lies and hard hearts, he shows the wicked to be debased in their ways, and so they revile him, they seek to silence Him, torture Him, and kill Him.At the last supper, Jesus is going to remind his disciples that if the world hates them, remember that it’s because they hated him first.
Part of the Lenten fasting and penance is to toughen us up a bit, like soldiers in boot camp. We willingly undergo so hardship, knowing that the hardship the righteous man faces from the world is going to be greater. And if we can’t withstand a bit of fasting, how are we going to hold fast to the faith when we face real opposition.
Paul writes to Timothy, that all those who seek to live according to the righteousness of Jesus Christ will be persecuted. We may experience that resistance externally, in the form of opposition from the world, even from family members. Or we may experience that resistance internally, in the form of temptations, doubts, and anxiety. Probably both.
So may our Lenten observances help us: to grow in fortitude and courage--to remain steadfast in the face of inevitable opposition, that we may be instruments of his truth. May we know the closeness of the Lord who draws near to the righteous who cry out to Him for deliverance from evil for the glory of God and salvation of souls.
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That God may be pleased to increase faith and understanding in the catechumens and candidates who approach the sacraments of initiation in the coming Paschal Solemnity.
That those in need may find assistance in the charity of faithful Christians and that peace and security may be firmly established in all places.
For strength to resist temptation, and the humility to sincerely repent of sin.
That through fasting and self-denial, we may be ever more conformed to Christ.
For all who have died, and for all the poor souls in purgatory, and for X. for whom this Mass is offered.
Mercifully hear, O Lord, the prayers of your Church and turn with compassion to the hearts that bow before you, that those you make sharers in your divine mystery may always benefit from your assistance.
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