for March 28
Saturday in the Fourth Week of Lent

A friend once contacted me to discuss a situation to ask for advice. He was part of a university faculty that was dealing with significant disagreement and division. There was infighting, communication lapses, negative conversation, personal intrigue, and also the normal intellectual differences that are necessary for a healthy learning environment. For my friend all of this often resulted in an unproductive and at times toxic work place. He also thought the problems were weakening the educational mission and identity of the institution.

John’s Gospel today also presents a situation of communal division and disagreement. Today’s passage considers questions about the identity of Jesus, the nature of his mission, and appropriate responses to his teaching and ministry. The religious authorities (the Pharisees) rule out the idea that the expected Messiah could ever come from a backwater like Galilee. Yet others hear Jesus’ teaching, witness his mighty acts of healing, see his forgiveness sinners, and are drawn to him. More come to believe in him as a prophet and possibly even the Messiah. Jesus was not what many people expected and his teachings made some uncomfortable. Others were threatened by his prophetic acts on behalf of the poor and weakest members of the community. John’s Gospel points to the uniqueness of Jesus himself and shows that his actions led to controversy, division, and even threats against his life. At the same time Jesus also brought many people together in ways that led to new forms of community and to new ways of living. 

The first reading similarly reveals human intrigue and a plot against Jeremiah’s life led by members of his own family and his acquaintances.  Divine intervention assists Jeremiah in his experience of shock and betrayal by those close to him to reflect deeply on his mission and the meaning of his existence. The murder plot against Jeremiah is a precursor to the rejection and violence Jesus will himself face. This passage from Jeremiah points to God as “searcher of mind and heart” who is a God of justice—especially when worldly justice and human morality goes badly awry. 

Both scripture readings today consider how a prophetic stance can lead to division and hostility in and between communities. The present health crisis we face brings serious risks for us as a society and for the health of global international relations. One challenge for Christian believers may be to witness against the sinful dynamics of unhealthy division within communities that foster hostile disagreements over health care priorities and the distribution of medical resources. In addition to offering love and support to those most close to us in these difficult times we also need to call larger global communities to effectively support the dignity of persons, the common good, and solidarity.  Peoples and nations of the world need to unite in communal partnership and cooperation to face this grave health emergency. 

John’s Gospel today considers the reactions of people of his time to Jesus’ identity as prophet and Messiah. The present health crisis and its many grave implications raise questions about our own human identity as persons created in the image and likeness of God as we seek with the Lord’s grace to live with and care for each other. 

The Christian moral tradition has for centuries taught that our individual decisions and choices profoundly shape who we are and who we become as persons. I believe these challenging days require us to live with “grace under pressure” and to reach out to others as best we can to reduce the natural tensions and divisions that may arise in our families and within our circle of friends and among our associates. As we do our best to model our own lives more and more on Jesus we can bring healing and hope to those who suffer as we ourselves find life in God’s loving embrace.     
–Francis T. Hannafey SJ

Today’s readings readings are available at the US Conference of Catholic Bishops website.