"From then on they planned to kill him."
John 11 : 53
As we read the events in today’s Gospel, it is hard not to be struck by the face which gathers around Jesus as he moves towards his final destiny. It is as if the Pharisees and chief priests believe that they are in control of the events, but in fact they are agents in God’s plan of redemption.
The drama of salvation now begins to unfold. All the Gospel readings refers to God’s purpose in sending Jesus to save us from our sins and reconcile us to God. The people in Israel at the time would probably have been mortified to realize that their religious leaders were prone to such dark and murderous thoughts, but it was the Lord’s destiny to die.
Caiphas could not have understood how prophetic and true were his words: “You do not realize that it is better for you that one man die for the people than that the whole nation perish.” (John 11:49)
The Cross of Jesus is God’s greatest proof that he loves us. During this special time of prayer in the Church, the liturgy invites us to contemplate and pray on the events leading up to Jesus’ death, and on Good Friday and Holy Saturday, enter the mystery of his Death on the Cross.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, by your Cross you have redeemed the world. Amen
