By Newton Basumatari csc –
Readings: Ezek 37: 21-28; Jn 11:45-57
In our lives, we come across different kinds of people, among them, some support us, some speak behind us, and others may not bother about us. Though we have different personalities in people, we are all children of God and when we return to him, he will save us because he had made the covenant of peace with his people.
This is what we hear from the book of Ezekiel in the first reading. And in the gospel reading, we find various types of people, some believed in Jesus, some reported to Pharisees what had happened, and others tried to kill Jesus because he had disturbed the people in authority and inspired those who followed him.
In our religious life as well as in our family life, we experience acceptance and rejection from people. When someone does good work, some others try to push him down, and because of that, they become obstacle to that person.
Today, the readings are inviting us to be channels of peace. In the first reading, we heard that despite the sinful nature of people, God is making a covenant with them. On the other hand, we see that Jesus was experiencing both rejection and acceptance from the people but still became a channel of peace.
In my life, often, I tend to give up when I experience rejection from others. I only look for my comfort. Through this reading, Jesus gives me hope that there is a greater glory in being rejected by others for a good cause.
Therefore, I need to be always connected with God so that I may have the strength to bear all difficulties in my life.