Lent Week 4, Friday – Wis 2:1,12-22; John 7:1-2,10,25-30

Plotting, conspiracy, intrigue is wrong reasoning. We know this way of acting, and not just from the wicked in the book of Wisdom. In everyday life, in relationships all sorts of assassinations of character happen. Though a person be let down, sometimes totally, God does not remain deaf to his lament, neither to the innocent or the righteous.

As the Gospel shows, the leaders of the Jews had the intention to kill Jesus, and all with incomprehensible forethought. Their hearts lacked openness and honesty. It wasn’t just because of uncontrolled emotion, impulsive feelings, ill spoken words but the nature of their will.

With an adversary, even the most difficult, you can discuss, disagree, argue. All because of internal integrity, which prevents iniquity, wickedness or meanness. Although the hour for Jesus has come, we must keep alive in ourselves a constant awareness, that – as Pope Francis has said – “When we journey without the Cross, when we build without the Cross, when we profess Christ without the Cross, we are not disciples of the Lord.”

Examination of conscience:     

What are my intentions to others?

Do look into the face of Suffering?

During Lent have I tried even more to be kinder in my words?