It is expedient for one man to die rather than the entire nation to perish

Ezk. 37:21-28, Jn 11:45-56. What is required in order to gather all the dispersed children of God to be joined into one family of faith and love, as the prophets foretold in today's first reading, is not that we lose what we have but be willing to share everything. God’s gifts are meant to be shared so that we may leave legacy of good during our time in this life. To share the best we have is when it pinches. The Prophet Ezekiel, with his eye for practical details, adds that we must be united in one prince - politics, in one Sanctuary - worship and in one land - our sense of belonging.

In His effort to minister to the need of all, Jesus interacted with the politics, religion and social customs of His time. He cured the sick and was prepared to break any religious taboo that held people back from healing and health. His attitude to freedom and equality as children of God was seen as a threat to the status quo and even to the official priesthood appointed by the Romans. Many of the Jews, who had come with Mary and had seen what Jesus did, believed in Him. However, plans among the members of the Jewish High Council to arrest Jesus and hand Him over to the Romans increases, because they felt that, to allow Jesus to continue His ministry will question their credibility before the Romans. One of them, Caiaphas, unknowingly prophesied "that it is expedient for one man to die rather than the entire nation to perish." Jesus was about to die not for the nation only, but to gather into one the dispersed children of God. Since Jesus gave Himself for us, as a nation, we must be united in our sense of belonging in the face of the fight against coronavirus pandemic. If all the dispersed children of God are to form one family as the prophet Ezekiel proclaims, we must be willing to share everything; both material and medical care meant for all.

May the words of Lord be on our lips and in our hearts, give us courage and hope and keep us near to God in spite of the global pandemic! Amen! Stay safe and have a glorious weekend!!!