Friday March 31
As the season of Lent moves to its final weeks, we are presented with readings that capture the intensifying conflict between God’s Chosen One and the people who are blinded by their own malice. They wait to pounce on him; but we are told that no one could lay hands on him as his time had not yet come. We easily back out from testifying to the truth and proclaiming the Gospel, because we fear for our lives and other dangerous consequences. How brave would our witnessing to Christ be if we truly believe that until the destined time comes, no one can harm us! And when the destined time comes, nothing would be able to stop us from the way God had willed our return to Him, anyway. This conviction freed Jesus to go on doing the works of the Father. The same awareness can free us as well.
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The historical context of the today's Gospel is the annual Feast of Tents, which recalls the years when Israel, moving towards the Promised Land, was living in desert tents. A discussion arises about Jesus’ messianic claim when he secretly went up to Jerusalem. A popular opinion stated that the Messiah would come from an unknown location, perhaps someone suddenly falling from sky to perform his mission. However, the birthplace of Jesus is well known thus his being the Messiah was doubted. A shroud of hostility and incomprehension hovers over Christ.
