One Nation Under God

Saturday of the Fifth Week of Lent

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Gospel of John 11:45-56

So the chief priests and the Pharisees convened the Sanhedrin and said,“What are we going to do? This man is performing many signs. If we leave him alone, all will believe in him, and the Romans will come and take away both our land and our nation.” But one of them, Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, said to them,“You know nothing, nor do you consider that it is better for you that one man should die instead of the people, so that the whole nation may not perish.”

You know nothing  This week I was at the drive through window at a local Taco Bell.  I overheard a conversation between the window attendant and a fellow employee.  The lady loudly said, "Yes, why don't you just kick his a**!"  I thought to myself:

Wow, how unprofessional for this woman to not only engage in a private conversation with another employee right in front of a customer but to swear.  She obviously knows nothing about good customer service! I have the receipt in my hands.  I may just submit a survey complaining about this service! 

Eventually, I let the incident go and didn't file a complaint.  I figured the employee is not well-educated, making only minimum wage. I certainly didn't want to be the cause of someone getting reprimanded or fired.  There was nothing wrong with my order or the taste of the food.  Sometimes in life we just have to learn to let things go and not cause unnecessary conflict.

Unfortunately, the Pharisees and the Sanhedrin didn't simply "let go" the idea of Jesus blaspheming.  They could no longer allow the Jewish people to question their authority and believe in this Son of God.  Their intense fear of losing power drove them to kill Jesus.

One nation under God This gospel passage is filled with paradox and irony.  First of all, the Pharisees and chief priests admit that Jesus worked many signs.  Yet, they still haven't seen enough to fully believe that this simple "man" is truly divine.  Secondly, Caiaphas the chief high priest recommends Jesus be killed in order to save the entire nation from destruction by the Romans.  Unknowingly, Caiaphas prophetically reveals how Jesus will take sin and death upon himself in order that the people can become one nation under God.  This one nation encompassing the entire world will be forever protected and strengthened.  God will not leave his people to struggle on their own.  Even with war, poverty, corruption, and anti-religious sentiment present, we can trust that God will resolve difficult situations in due course time.  We must remain faithful and prayerful.  We must realize that everything is a part of God's plan.  However, our free will dictates how well we live our lives on earth.  We can choose to fight or we can choose to remain at peace just like we can choose to push God out of our lives or choose to be faithful to him.  The Holy Spirit will always remain with us regardless if we stay or stray.  

As the Lenten Season draws to a close, let us visit Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament.  Thank him for his protection, love, and compassion.  Also, pray for countries that may be experiencing war and conflict.  Ask God to protect the innocent from continued violence and oppression.   

-J.