The Lord is near to broken hearts

Wis. 2:1.12-22, Jn 7:1-2.10.25-30. As the season of Lent gradually gets to an end, we are presented with the readings that capture the intensifying conflict between God’s chosen one and the people who are blinded by prejudice. In the first reading, the upright is persecuted and tested by malicious enemies, they provoked opposition even for putting their trust in God because the upright remains for them sign of contradiction and constant judge of their conscience: "Let us lie in wait for the virtuous man, since he annoys us and opposes our way of life." They even arrogate the role of judges over the godly: "Let us see the truth of what he says...if the righteous one is a son of God."

Jesus suffered rejection of similar kind in today's Gospel; but they could not lay hands on Him as His time had not yet come. To the surprise of His relatives who think they have all the facts about Him, He says, “I was sent by One whom you do not know. I know him because it is from him I come.” Like the 'Just One' in the first reading, He will be humiliated and oppressed, but for now nobody can lay hands on Jesus, until the opportune time - “my hour”. As the response to the Psalm: “The Lord is near to broken hearts.” Broken hearts are painful and lonely, but they also enable us to reach even more deeply into our roots, where God is very near with the loving providence of His mysterious grasp. Our God is close to those in trouble; and those who are crushed in spirit He saves.

May the Lord pardon our sins and change our prejudice mindset! Amen!! Good morning and have a great day!!!