Apr
13
2019
By Anonymous (not verified)
The Marian Fathers present this Lenten devotional series to help you prepare to receive graces on Easter and Divine Mercy Sunday.
Readings: Ezek 37:21-28; Jer 31:10, 11-12ABCD, 13; Jn 11:45-56
Diary: 392, 697, 1427
"If we leave him alone, all will believe in him." - Jn 11:48
The chief priests and the Pharisees have called a special meeting of the Sanhedrin. Why? They are feeling threatened because Jesus has performed a sign, and many of the Jews have begun to believe in Him. It wasn't just any sign. In the verses before today's Gospel reading begins, Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead!
Unlike the Jews who are moved to believe, the chief priests and Pharisees discuss how they should deal with Jesus. They are concerned about losing their positions. They argue that, if the signs continue, all will believe in Him (see Jn 11:48). Caiaphas sums up: "You know nothing, nor do you consider that it is better for you that one man should die instead of the people, so that the whole nation may not perish" (Jn 11:49-50). His comment cements the idea in their minds because "from that day on they planned to kill him" (Jn 11:53).
Does it seem like a strange action plan to attack someone who could raise a person from the dead? We had some foreshadowing of their stubbornness in Jesus' parable about a rich man and a character named Lazarus (see March 21). In it, Jesus decried their lack of faith saying, "Neither will they be convinced if someone should rise from the dead" (Lk 16:31).
Prayer: Lord, I want to believe and trust in You with all my heart. Help my faith.
Missed a day? See previous "From Ashes to Mercy" daily meditations.
Readings: Ezek 37:21-28; Jer 31:10, 11-12ABCD, 13; Jn 11:45-56
Diary: 392, 697, 1427
"If we leave him alone, all will believe in him." - Jn 11:48
The chief priests and the Pharisees have called a special meeting of the Sanhedrin. Why? They are feeling threatened because Jesus has performed a sign, and many of the Jews have begun to believe in Him. It wasn't just any sign. In the verses before today's Gospel reading begins, Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead!
Unlike the Jews who are moved to believe, the chief priests and Pharisees discuss how they should deal with Jesus. They are concerned about losing their positions. They argue that, if the signs continue, all will believe in Him (see Jn 11:48). Caiaphas sums up: "You know nothing, nor do you consider that it is better for you that one man should die instead of the people, so that the whole nation may not perish" (Jn 11:49-50). His comment cements the idea in their minds because "from that day on they planned to kill him" (Jn 11:53).
Does it seem like a strange action plan to attack someone who could raise a person from the dead? We had some foreshadowing of their stubbornness in Jesus' parable about a rich man and a character named Lazarus (see March 21). In it, Jesus decried their lack of faith saying, "Neither will they be convinced if someone should rise from the dead" (Lk 16:31).
Prayer: Lord, I want to believe and trust in You with all my heart. Help my faith.
Missed a day? See previous "From Ashes to Mercy" daily meditations.
ddburg
