The first reading is a famous reading from the Book of Wisdom (2:1, 12-11) about the assault on the “just” person by those who feel that his goodness and gentleness is an affront to them and puts their own vile behavior in a bad light. They mock his claim to have God as his Father and they plot to test his gentleness and patience by putting him to a shameful death.
The same sober mood characterizes the gospel selection from John. This scene (John 7:1-2, 10, 25-30) is one of the most hostile encounters in the Gospel between Jesus and the religious authorities. Jesus did face some fierce opposition, not only from the religious authorities who were wary of him but also from the Romans who directly ruled Jerusalem and its surroundings.
What is the point of all this? The Scriptures for this Eucharist remind us of something we see around us every day—the presence of violence and evil perpetrated by ruthless people. Violence is seen in human history. The Bible does not wink at the presence of evil or pretend it is not there. Instead, it reminds us that sin and death do not have the last word.
We are approaching our celebration of Easter, the ultimate triumph of life over death in all its forms. Jesus for our sake absorbed violence and death and, through the power of his Father’s love, overcame it. May we continue to stand for the truth and help to bring lasting peace into the world. Amen.
Happy New Month of April