April 8, 2017

John 11:45-56

In today’s Gospel, we discover the reason why the Jewish authorities or called as the Sanhedrin wanted to eliminate Jesus. They were afraid that Jesus would unite the Jewish people and rally against the Romans. They were afraid that the Romans would immediately crash Jewish rebellion and take their nation and destroy their holy place or the temple. It is interesting to note that these religious leaders gathered together not to discuss religious matters, but political ones. In fact, in the Gospel of John, these leaders never performed their religious duties in the Temple, especially as priests who offered the sacrifice and led the people in prayer.

Engrossed in political intrigues, the Jewish religious leaders were afraid to lose their temple. Indeed, for the Jews and even for Jesus, the Temple was a sacred house of God. But, the Temple also was a seat of power, control as well as money. Jewish people from all over the country would visit the Temple, and donated their hard-earn money for the Temple’s upkeep. But, not all were for the Temple’s maintenance, many went to the temple officials. Some greedy officials definitely did not want to lose their jobs, their sense of authority and financial stability. Their fear was so great that they were ready to eliminate anyone who challenged their place, and Jesus was standing in their way.

It is just natural if we feel afraid. In fact, as a basic instinctive emotion, it is vital because it makes us flee from real danger. Yet, the problem is when fear becomes the driving force of life, and destroys us and other people in the process. Often fear paralyzed to deal with the real issues. But sometimes, fear emboldens us to take up any extreme measures to eliminate things or persons we fear. Fear of losing our jobs we bully other co-workers. Fear of failing the exam, we cheat. Fear of being exposed, we lie. Fear of failure, we work like crazy and neglect other priorities of life.

As we are entering the Holy Week and preparing ourselves for the Easter Triduum, it is a high time for us to reflect. We thank God for the natural emotion of fear that saves our lives from danger, but we need to confront our excessive fear also that have changed into various crippling and destructive attitudes. What is our greatest fear? What fear controls our life? Does this fear become our god? Are we brave enough to surrender these fears and entrust ourselves to the true God?

Br. Valentinus Bayuhadi Ruseno, OP