By Francis Gayang csc –
Readings: Ez 37:21-28; Jn 11: 45-56
The plot by the pharisees and chief priests to kill Jesus is motivated by having a common enemy, forgetting the fact that they do not like each other’s company. This agreement came from an evil intention. They felt threatened by the growing popularity of Jesus. The fear of losing their importance among people forced them to plot against Jesus.
Mainly, there were two responses to Jesus from the crowd. Some saw and experienced a change of heart and mind, and believed in what they saw. Probably this is the same thing that Martha and Mary experienced when Jesus raised their brother Lazarus. On the other hand, some others witnessed the miraculous act of Jesus. But they seemed to be like the rocky soil, within a short time the good news dried up. They were not able to convince themselves about the truth that they had seen. They lacked taking a stand and depended on the judgement of their leaders. The pharisees and Sadducees were antagonistic to each other, but when Jesus started to affect their ego, both joined hands in plotting against Jesus.
The question for me now is, am I like the second set of people with no roots? Am I like the pharisees and Sadducees, stubborn and narrowminded and ready to do anything to save my position even when I know it is wrong? Am I scared of losing my influence because of the truth? Am I blinded by my sinful attachments to power and position? These things can happen to me too if my mind is corrupt and if I am not careful enough to observe my thoughts and greed. May Jesus not become a ladder for my position and power.