Gathered as one
From today’s Scripture: “The Passover of the Jews was near, and many went up from the country to Jerusalem.”—Jn 11:55
Many people were on the roads to travel to Jerusalem. Passover was a little like our secular and religious feasts of today, with our crowded highways and airports. Before our passage we see Jesus giving life to Lazarus.
This caused confusing reports to the authorities. Was Jesus a revolutionary? The high priest decided not to provoke the Romans’ intervention, fearing destruction of the Temple.
Christ would die for all the nations, to make humanity one. Can we be “gathered into one by the Holy Spirit” as the priest prays at Mass? Our humanity is torn by divisions, racisms against all colors, and the sacrifice of Jesus is much needed. It strikes me to see how hard it is to live incarcerated, in a prison, where restrictions limit freedom. Yet most former inmates report it is even harder to face the free world after years behind bars. We build so many obstacles against one another!
Let us pray: O Lord, the Lenten season enters its final phase tomorrow with Palm Sunday and Holy Week. Give me the courage to walk with you, even when solidarity’s place is hard to discern. Help me to be part of the one body you came to gather when you died on the cross.
Today’s author is Glenmary Father François Pellisier, active in marriage and prison ministries from his home in South Georgia.
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