I Am From Him

March 7, 2008

Friday of the Fourth Week of Lent

For if the just one be the son of God, he will defend him and deliver him from the hand of his foes. With revilement and torture let us put him to the test that we may have proof of his gentleness and try his patience. Let us condemn him to a shameful death; for according to his own words, God will take care of him. Wisdom 2: 17-20

“You know me and also know where I am from. Yet I did not come on my own, but the one who sent me, whom you do not know, is true. I know him, because I am from him, and he sent me.” John 7:28-30

Piety

When the just cry out, the LORD hears and rescues them from all distress. The LORD is close to the brokenhearted, saves those whose spirit is crushed. Many are the troubles of the just, but the LORD delivers from them all. God watches over all their bones; not a one shall be broken. Evil will slay the wicked; those who hate the just are condemned. The LORD redeems loyal servants; no one is condemned whose refuge is God.

Psalm 34: 18-23

Study

http://www.usccb.org/nab/readings/030708.shtml

Today, the readings make us ponder the prophecy of the suffering of the Just One in the story from Wisdom or the pending suffering in the Gospel of John.

Throughout Lent, we have learned that God knows what is in our hearts and our minds. However, today, the sin of pride that man commits tries to assume that men can do the reverse – to know what is in God’s mind and heart. The relationship between Father and Son is being tested by the people who do not know how strong the bond is between them. Yet, despite these human tests, Jesus survived to fight another day. Jesus now knows that the authorities have been instructed to arrest him and he escapes arrest and lives to fight for and die for us on another day.

The irony of the prophecy is that people think that if they dole out a harsh sentence to the Just One, then “God will take care of him (or her).” How little we understood about that sentence.

Action

Who can you rescue from distress during this Lenten season?

Perhaps you can help rescue those who are homeless like the Holy Family was in Bethlehem and as refugees fleeing to Egypt.

Next week, on March 10, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors will vote on the implementation plan being proposed by Faith Communities United Against Homelessness. Please join them at the meeting at 10 a.m. Monday. No public speaking will be required, just a show of support with the presences in the meeting is enough.

The Council on Homelessness will present to the Board of Supervisors on the state of homelessness and then ask the Board to adopt the Implementation Plan to Prevent and End Homelessness in Fairfax-Falls Church.

When the just cry out, the LORD hears and rescues them from all distress.