Homily: Fifth Friday of Lent

Fifth Friday of Lent (Jn. 10:31-39) “How Could Jesus Blaspheme?”

During the Last few days, we have read scriptures from the Gospel of John that revolve around Jesus debating with Jewish religious authorities.  Unfortunately, John just labels Jesus’ questioners as Jews.  Many Jews were friendly with Jesus.  Not all Jews had the same political and religious opinions.  Jesus lived in a divided world like we do.

In today’s Gospel the arguments that Jesus has with his critics take a nasty turn.  Some who are harassing him accuse him of blasphemy.

When we hear that term used it is rather jolting.  When we think of blasphemy, we usually think of someone insulting God.  There is blasphemy in art for example.  Some of it is quite blatant.  A few years ago, an artist suspended a crucifix in a container of urine. Christians were shocked and saddened.  This was what we all think of when we think of blasphemy.

From what we know of Jesus, we would have to say that he never insulted God.  But there was another type of blasphemy.  This sin revolved saying that one is coequal with God. A few politicians through the ages have claimed they were God like. They were drunk with their own power. The people who were ready to stone Jesus were perceiving that Jesus was equating himself with God.  Leviticus 24:16 had a clear penalty for blasphemy which was stoning.  It was the death penalty.

Jesus defends himself by pointing out all the good he has done.  He has fed the hungry.  He has healed the sick.  He has preached tolerance for all.  Would these be the work of an evil person he asks?  There is no answer from his attackers other than violence.  When people have no intellectual argument to use when arguing,  often they turn to verbal or physical violence. 

Reflection Questions:

1.     How would I understand blasphemy?  Have I witnessed it?

2.    Have I been abused by someone who I am having an intellectual argument with?  Have I attacked others in such a way?

Dear Parishioners,

            Often parishioners ask if Holy Week is a very busy time for me. The answer is that it is a busy time, but it is a different type of busy.  I am not usually worried about budgets, roofs, etc.   I am getting ready and celebrating the liturgy of the church.  Any priest would say that this is how they would rather spend their time.

            During Holy Week, hopefully we can all slow down and take time to worship and reflect on the things of God.  “If we are too busy to pray then we are too busy” as a priest friend of mine used to say.

             Next week will be a sacred time.  Let’s all enjoy it.

            May Our Lady of Sorrows pray for us,

            Fr. Mark