Friday of the
Fifth Week in Lent
(Jeremiah 20:10-13; John 10:31-42)
Among the gestures made in church we bow to the
altar. Some perhaps think that they are
reverencing the tabernacle which is often placed behind the altar. But the altar itself is a symbol of
Jesus. We bow to him. The gospel today indicates the association.
The setting is the Jewish feast of the dedication of the
temple altar. Jesus has come to
Jerusalem to celebrate. In the ensuing discussion
with the Jews, he says that God has consecrated him as well. In fact, he will replace the temple altar as
the locus of true worship. His
crucifixion becomes the only perfect sacrifice which redeems humanity. It atones not just of individual sins but the
multiplication of guilt through the ages.
The Jews understandably have difficulty accepting Jesus’
claims. We, however, have the benefit of
numerous testimonies to his resurrection from his apostles and from saints
throughout the ages. Following in their
way, we find that in joining him we have not given up our freedom but are actually
freed from the attractions that undermine our desire for eternal life.
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