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

Ezk. 37:21-28, Jn 11:45-56. If all the dispersed children of God are to form one family as the prophet Ezekiel proclaims in the first reading, they must be willing to share everything. Many centuries later, Paul told his Gentile converts to “preserve all that is true, admirable, decent, virtuous or worthy of praise.” (Phil 4:8). God-given talents and qualities, however, must be shared and thereby further enriched in a covenant of peace, the people’s covenant among themselves and with their God. Jesus shared His talents healing and bringing people to life. In today’s Gospel, the event of raising Lazarus from the dead was reported to the Pharisees by some eye witnesses.

With other miracles performed by Jesus, news about Him dispersed far: many had started believing that He is the promised Messiah. Even the pilgrims who came to the feast were eager to know if Jesus would be at the feast so that they could satisfied their 'thirst' to see Jesus. Threatened by this development, the chief priests and the Pharisees convened the Sanhedrin, within which they strengthened their resolution with ‘priestly prophetic utterance of Caiaphas’, namely, that it’s expedient for one man to die rather than the entire nation to perish. To allow Jesus continue preaching will question their credibility and the fear of being in trouble with the Romans. Hence, they decided that He should die. Today we are challenged to deal with the fear that becloud or blur our vision of reality. Rather than base our decisions on perceived threats, let us confront our fears with dignity and courage.

May the Lord grant us His mercy, pardon our sins and save us from fear! Amen! Good morning, it is well with you!!!