Holy Week 2023 - THE PREACHING TUESDAY
April 4: Isaiah 49:1-6; John 13:21-33, 36-38
"Though I thought I toiled in vain... yet my reward is with the
Lord", this feeling expressed by Isaiah in the first reading fits
perfectly the state of Jesus' mind, as he bids a bitter farewell to his
disciples today. Arriving at the fag end of his ministry, Jesus knows what is
in store and prepares himself for it. Judas' betrayal, Peter's denial... he
foresees everything and forewarns them too, but everything in vain. However, he
knows that in everything God works for the good of those who love God (cf. Rom
8:28).
Just
after the cleansing of the Temple and the controversy created by it, Jesus is
found preaching at the Temple, for the last time. The Jews, the high priests
and the scribes, have always challenged Jesus regarding the authority with
which he is doing all that he does! Jesus does not care to prove his authority,
not because he could not but because it was so obvious. His words were
accompanied with signs, his teachings were authenticated with his living and no
one needed any proof for Jesus' authority. The problem was that they were not
ready see the obvious truth. But Jesus' love does not let him lose heart...he
goes on. That is true love - it never gives up.
These
days, experiencing a totally strange holy week, a holy week in quarantine,
there could be anxieties, helplessness, doubts and fears in the minds of
all...but let us remember, Love never gives up. God has never given up on us
and we shall never give up on God, if we truly love God. Let us learn to see
and believe the presence of God amidst whatever the situation be.
Believing involves repentance!
Believing comes from a conviction, from an experience. Repent and believe -
that was the invitation with which the Lent began!
How far have we progressed in it?