Gospel
Jesus moved about within Galilee;
he did not wish to travel in Judea,
because the Jews were trying to kill him.
But the Jewish feast of Tabernacles was near.
But when his brothers had gone up to the feast,
he himself also went up, not openly but as it were in secret.
Some of the inhabitants of Jerusalem said,
“Is he not the one they are trying to kill?
And look, he is speaking openly and they say nothing to him.
Could the authorities have realized that he is the Christ?
But we know where he is from.
When the Christ comes, no one will know where he is from.”
So Jesus cried out in the temple area as he was teaching and said,
“You know me and also know where I am from.
Yet I did not come on my own,
but the one who sent me, whom you do not know, is true.
I know him, because I am from him, and he sent me.”
So they tried to arrest him,
but no one laid a hand upon him,
because his hour had not yet come.
Many people know who Jesus is. Most of the world can tell you something about Jesus for they have heard his story. Most western societies know his Good News or at least believe they do.
Like the people in Judah they think they know where he was from and expect the Christ to be from some unknown place. Since they knew his family they dismissed him and did not believe he could be the Son of God. Their hearts were closed and their minds were set. They hardened their heart against him and wondered why he was not arrested.
The Pharisees and scribes sought to kill him for they challenged their position in society. They did not believe he was the son of God because he did not align with the world they had created and gained position and status in. If he was the Messiah and his words of truth clashes with their life and way of living it would change their entire world.
And today most people see Jesus the same way. He is either not what they demand a messiah to be, or his truth and word challenges their lifestyle and choices.
So some will go to church and mass and still not give him their hearts and minds. Some will testify to others against him for they hold the world and poor choices sacred and allow nothing to upset their view of things.
Where are we today. We are heading into Easter soon and should be asking what part of our life do we withhold from Jesus and refuse to let go of. How can we truly be disciples if we let anything be held more important and immovable, if it conflicts with his teachings?
He has always been clear. We are to love God above all else. We are advised to not harden our hearts but allow Jesus to make them soft and open to his love.
How are we doing?
Deacon Tony Pynes 
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