Thursday of the
Fourth Week of Lent
(Exodus 32:7-14; John 5:31-47)
The Reformation of the sixteenth century brought forth
both good and evil. It did helpfully emphasize
the centrality of Scripture and faith in the Christian tradition. It also ushered a period of intense division,
even religious warfare. Now it seems
that Pope Francis is effecting a new era.
He may become “the reformer of the reformers.” He seems to be unifying many Christian groups
in giving testimony to the Lord with fraternal love and charity. This stance resembles that of Jesus makes in
today’s gospel.
The Pharisees are harassing Jesus. Believing in their own righteousness, they accuse
Jesus of breaking the Law by healing on the Sabbath. They do not see that he is – quite the
contrary -- fulfilling God’s will. In the
first reading the Lord criticizes the people of Israel for being “stiff-necked.” He gives them the Law as a way to reform
themselves. The Pharisees have embraced
the Law but are likewise becoming “stiff-necked.” They stubbornly refuse to see that they worship
an idol of their own making – not a material object but proprieties that
substitute for virtue. Jesus calls their
attention to what is truly important – love of God that is expressed by assistance
to the needy.
We have left behind the superficial gods of power,
pleasure, and prestige. Now we must
press on by engraving ever deeper in our hearts the need to honor God by doing
His will. It is no mean task in a world whose
values often seem like a gale blowing against us. But we will accomplish our objective if we
rely on the grace offered us through Jesus Christ in this Eucharist.
