Word to the Wise
Saturday, April 2, 2022 - 4th Week of Lent - Sat
[Jer 11:18-20 and John 7:40-53]"Never before has anyone spoken like this man." [John]
These words are spoken by the temple guards who were sent by the Jewish authorities to arrest Jesus. They returned empty-handed, much to the frustration of the authorities. The reason was simple enough. The guards were captivated by Jesus. This gives rise to a debate about the identity of Jesus. Some of the group argue that his geographic origins make it impossible for him to be a prophetic figure! Nicodemus (cf chapter 3) makes a reappearance and shows a new stage of his faith, which will culminate in his helping to take Jesus from the cross for burial!
Two things, at least, emerge from this passage that are consistently preached in the Gospel According to John. The first is that an encounter with Jesus is a challenge to one's ability to believe. The guards would have to come to terms with their encounter: "Never before has anyone spoken like this man!" The second is that Jesus transcended the traditional biblical notion of a prophet since he was the fulfillment of all biblical prophecy. He is "the one whom God has sent." So, his hometown location made no difference despite the prejudice of the authorities or others such as Nathaniel, whose bias against Cana is transformed by his encounter with Jesus! (John 1:45-46].
In reflecting on our own faith, can we point to some encounter with Jesus that makes a difference? The sacraments are all instances of "encounter!" But do we get beyond the ritual to the person of Jesus? Why should we believe in Him? Is it because "never before has anyone spoken like this man?" AMEN