A REMINDER FROM JESUS
From our Gospel today, we can say that Jesus is “the sign of contradiction” (from the prophecy of Simeon during the Presentation at the Temple — Luke 2:34).
We see how messy the situation has become, after many discussions and arguments (specifically, on the origins of the Messiah). And note that all these concern several groups: the crowd (with several factions within), the temple guards, the chief priests, the Pharisees (and among them, Nicodemus — the “closet Christian” who came to Jesus at night), and of course Jesus. The concluding verse is very telling: “Then each went to his own house.”
It is sad and lamentable. We realize all the more how Jesus can be controversial and even divisive. But isn’t that how it’s really meant to be? We can’t blame Him. As He said, “I have come to bring not peace but the sword” (Matthew 10:34).
We may have been hoodwinked into believing in a sugarcoated, warm and fuzzy Jesus. We may be like the prophet Jeremiah in the First Reading, who was shocked and shaken to find out that his enemies were plotting against him, when all the while he was unsuspecting and trusting, “like a lamb led to slaughter.”
Now we know, for sure. We have been reminded. Hopefully we will not hold back in following Jesus, on the pretext that we were tricked by Him. He is a “sign of contradiction,” but certainly not a deceiver. We commit ourselves to Him — with our eyes open and our hearts emboldened. Fr. Martin Macasaet, SDB
REFLECTION QUESTION: How have you discovered Jesus’ being a “sign of contradiction” in your own spiritual journey?
Jesus, may I always see You for who and what You are — Someone who loves me through and through.
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