Times of conflict
Gospel: Jn 7:1-2, 10, 25-30
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/031524.cfm
In the gospel of John, there is more of a focus on Jesus’s struggles with tradition and religious leadership than the other gospels. Jesus is also more outspoken about his relationship with God. In today’s scripture reading, Jesus visits Jerusalem with his brothers. Once people recognized him, they argued that Jesus was not the Messiah because they knew where he was from. Jesus then retorts that they do not know where he is from because they are unfamiliar with the one who sent him.
Sometimes we want to mind our own business but we can’t. We have a calling or a drive that doesn’t let us stay quiet. We can also be challenged by unexpected adversity from others. Or like in the case of today’s gospel, we can experience both at the same time. It is challenging when we are faced with these moments. They can become crucible moments where we play through different outcomes that may happen depending on our actions. We debate if our actions are selfishly motivated or if they serve a higher purpose. Do we stand-up and make a scene or do we maintain the status quo?
In today’s gospel, Jesus had individuals that wanted to kill him. John outlines that Jesus was only in Jerusalem because that’s where his bothers wanted to be for the Tabernacle feast. Jesus knew that Jerusalem was a place for him to avoid given the potential actions of those who were against him, but Jesus went anyway. Given the circumstances, I’m sure he was a little on edge.
We too have moments when we are on edge. Sometimes we choose safety and other times we do not. I’m not sure if there is a right or a wrong answer in these circumstances, but what makes your choice easier to discern is building a strong relationship with God and knowing your deeper purpose. A lot of things are out of our control, but if we know our purpose, it makes it easier for us to see what is. We may not have control over other people’s actions or how they think, but we must be true to who we are. Do not let the unknowns, uncertainties, and lack of control limit you from doing what is right.
