for April 3
Friday in the Fifth Week of Lent

St. Ignatius Loyola (1491-1556), founder of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) wrote in the Spiritual Exercises—a highly regarded guide for prayer—that “love ought to show itself more in deeds than in words.” The Spiritual Exercises can help those who embark on a journey of prayer to grow in relationship and friendship with God. Today in the Gospel of John we encounter Jesus performing the deeds of his Father to reveal God’s love and grace to humanity. Jesus is met with many words of debate and signs of impending conflict with the religious authorities of his day. In response, Jesus points to his deeds of love, healing, forgiveness and care for the poor that draw on his own union with the Father. 

The Gospel passage is set in the context of the Feast of the Dedication in Jerusalem. For the Jews, the Feast is a celebration of God’s presence that marks the historical rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem. This celebration has great religious and spiritual significance in the life and history of the people of Israel. In today’s passage, Jesus is in the Temple area (in the Portico of Solomon) and immediately prior in the chapter a religious leader remarks to Jesus, “If you are the Christ tell us openly.” The conflict emerges as Jesus claims that he in his very person is the visible presence of God. This presence is manifest as true and is confirmed in his relationship with the Father and shown by his mighty works—such as in his healing encounters with the sick and the poor. Belief in Jesus is the proper response to this manifestation of God’s presence. 

The stance that Jesus takes here is revolutionary. In this view God’s presence is not only tied to the Temple but is now also newly manifest in the appearance of the Messiah Jesus in his oneness with the Father. Another way of saying this—God’s presence in the Temple reaches perfection in Jesus the Messiah. All of this is way too much for the religious authorities to bear. They react with disbelief and anger, and begin to design plots against Jesus which form a gathering storm that lead to the events we will soon mark during Holy Week. 

I am especially drawn to the drama and interior struggle that the prophet Jeremiah experiences in the first reading. Earlier in chapter 20, the prophet poses serious questions to Yahweh. Jeremiah rebels against God who he regards as responsible for his misfortune. Jeremiah, however, remains convinced that Yahweh is a God of Grace and even in the depths of his anguish he utters a cry of hope. Jeremiah wrestles with an interior crisis and is pushed to the point of despair. Some scripture scholars believe that today’s passage may be out of context in this part of the book as it shows a break in the prophet’s lament and depression. Yet, we learn that Jeremiah ultimately has confidence because he recalls the foundations of Yahweh’s promise and ultimate loyalty to him.

Both scripture readings today present Jesus and Jeremiah facing conflict and opposition. They each face a showdown with those who oppose and reject their messages. Importantly, both Jeremiah and Jesus are led by God’s presence and strength. Jeremiah observes that “the Lord is with me” and Jesus states “the Father is in me and I am in the Father”. When times get tough and conflicted for Jeremiah and Jesus, today’s readings make clear that God remains faithful and present even in the midst of great conflict, fear, and confusion. This observation may offer us at least the possibility for much needed consolation in our own present as we struggle to find our way through the confusion and darkness of a heartbreaking global health emergency that continues to lead to death, innocent suffering, and loss.

I believe that there is something inside all of us that moves us to want to be in the presence of those we love. We long for this presence. The urgent health crisis we now face moves us more and more to search for community with each other—in our families, with friends, and with fellow believers in the Church. There are practical complexities in this deeply human search now. St. Ignatius wisely reminds us that our actions and deeds may be exactly what we need to see us through rather than in the many words alone that now surround us. Jesus shows us that his love is ever more visible and real in his deeds and self-giving acts of love.

Jeremiah and Jesus both came to know and experience that God did not abandon them as they encountered existential challenge, struggle and suffering. God was present and faithful. In a time of confusion and darkness, God’s light remains visible even while it is not easy to find or discern. The scriptures today are clear that the Lord will also show his presence to us now and in the days ahead.
–Francis T. Hannafey SJ

The readings can be found on the US Conference of Catholic Bishops website.