When They Heard The Words Of Jesus

 

We should always commit our cause to God

Reflection on Today’s Readings, Saturday of 4th Week of Lent B, March 16th, 2024
Texts: Jeremiah 11:18-20; Psalm 7:2-3,9-12; John 7:40-53 

The People who listened to Jesus, in today’s gospel reading, formed different opinions about Him. We read, “When they heard the words of  Jesus, some of the people said, ‘This is really the prophet.’ Others said, ‘This is the Christ.’ But some said, ‘Is the Christ to come from Galilee?’” The people are not unanimous in their beliefs about Him.  

One thing that is clear is that Jesus made deep impression on them. Hence, the officers say, "No man ever spoke like this man!" By His words Jesus shows His excellence and reals identity as the Son of God. By His words the people recognised  something that is uncommon. Jesus speaks like no other because He is the Son of God. His words still make impact today. What impact the word of God has made on us? Have we truly recognised Him as the Christ by His words? 

No one laid hands on him

Today’s gospel reading also shows that nothing happens to us without fulfilling the will of God. St. Paul puts it properly thus: “All things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28). This is clear when Jesus says, “Some of them wanted to arrest him, but no one laid hands on him.” What we have to do is to love God and everything will be according to His purpose. 

Prophet Jeremiah, in today’s first reading, commits his cause into God’s hands. He says, “But, O  Lord of hosts, who judge righteously, who test the heart and the mind, let me see your vengeance upon them, for to you have I committed my cause.” We should always commit our cause to God both in good and bad times. When we commit our cause to God, whatever happens to us we always fulfil His will. 

Prayer 

By your help, we beseech you, Lord our God, may we walk eagerly in that same charity with which, out of love for the world, your Son handed himself over to death. Amen (Collect) 

Fr. Andrew Olowomuke