PUT TO THE TEST ~ CookingFood.Org

“GENEROUS LENT 2017”

Lenten Reflections

Friday, 31^stMarch 2017,

Fourth Week of Lent

Wis 2: 1, 12-22;

Ps 34: 17-21, 23;

Jn 7: 1-2, 10, 25-30.

PUT TO THE TEST

The Book of Wisdom was probably written about one hundred years before the coming of Christ. Yet, parts of this book, sound amazingly close to a description of Jesus. Today’s reading speaks about a man who has knowledge of God and even dares to call himself a “child of the Lord” (Wis 2:13). And, like Jesus, this man has some enemies who are trying to trap him in his words and even kill him (2:19-20).

We are reminded today that there will always be a certain amount of opposition to Christ and to his people. In the Gospel, we read of a failed attempt to arrest Jesus at the Feast of Tabernacles because “his hour had not yet come” (Jn 7:30). Yes, Jesus was persecuted and put to death, but death did not keep him down. God rescued him and raised him up! So also, God will not let us endure something that he will not help us overcome. He will strengthen us. He will give us grace. He will raise us up.

Jesus called us to be his ambassadors. He wants us to share the good news with everyone we meet. This is an exciting call, but it also has its challenges. Sometimes our efforts at evangelization will be met with ridicule and resistance some of which may be quite forceful. But if we remain determined to share the gospel with love and not self-righteousness, with joy and not anger, we will be blessed abundantly. Jesus will tell us, “Well done, my good and faithful servant” (Mt 25:21). You don’t need to be a brilliant theologian or a charismatic speaker to evangelize. You don’t need to have the courage of a martyr. You just need to believe that Jesus always releases grace whenever we testify to him. And his grace has the power to sustain us even as it has the power to draw people to his side.

Prayer: Lord, I love You. Help me to see and love You in others. Help me while I am put to test, by my family, by my friends, by others who oppose me for proclaiming You and the values of the Gospel. Comfort us as we proclaim your Gospel. Give us your divine strength. Jesus I trust in You. Amen.