Apr 5 2025

First reading Jeremiah 11:18-20

‘Let us cut him off from the land of the living, so that his name may be quickly forgotten’

The Lord revealed it to me; I was warned. O Lord, that was when you opened my eyes to their scheming. I for my part was like a trustful lamb being led to the slaughter-house, not knowing the schemes they were plotting against me, ‘Let us destroy the tree in its strength, let us cut him off from the land of the living, so that his name may be quickly forgotten!’

But you, the Lord of Hosts, who pronounce a just sentence,

who probe the loins and heart,

let me see the vengeance you will take on them,

for I have committed my cause to you.

Responsorial Psalm 7:2-3,9-12

O Lord, my God, in you I take refuge.
O Lord, my God, in you I take refuge;
save me from all my pursuers and rescue me,
Lest I become like the lion’s prey,
to be torn to pieces, with no one to rescue me.
O Lord, my God, in you I take refuge.
Do me justice, O Lord, because I am just,
and because of the innocence that is mine.
Let the malice of the wicked come to an end,
but sustain the just,
O searcher of heart and soul, O just God.
O Lord, my God, in you I take refuge.
A shield before me is God,
who saves the upright of heart;
A just judge is God,
a God who punishes day by day.
O Lord, my God, in you I take refuge.

Gospel John 7:40-52

The Law does not allow us to pass judgement on a man without hearing him

Several people who had been listening to Jesus said, ‘Surely he must be the prophet’, and some said, ‘He is the Christ’, but others said, ‘Would the Christ be from Galilee? Does not scripture say that the Christ must be descended from David and come from the town of Bethlehem?’ So the people could not agree about him. Some would have liked to arrest him, but no one actually laid hands on him.

The police went back to the chief priests and Pharisees who said to them, ‘Why haven’t you brought him?’ The police replied, ‘There has never been anybody who has spoken like him.’ ‘So’ the Pharisees answered ‘you have been led astray as well? Have any of the authorities believed in him? Any of the Pharisees? This rabble knows nothing about the Law – they are damned.’ One of them, Nicodemus – the same man who had come to Jesus earlier – said to them, ‘But surely the Law does not allow us to pass judgement on a man without giving him a hearing and discovering what he is about?’ To this they answered, ‘Are you a Galilean too? Go into the matter, and see for yourself: prophets do not come out of Galilee.’

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Trust and courage

“…I, for my part, was like a trustful lamb being led to the slaughterhouse, not knowing the schemes they were plotting against me…” (1st reading). The prophet Jeremiah was distressed by the betrayal of his friends and neighbours. Recognising his naivety, he turned to God, saying, “But you, Lord of hosts, who pronounce a just sentence, who probe the loins and heart, let me see the vengeance you will take on them, for I have committed my cause to you.” Rather than seeking revenge, Jeremiah trusted God’s protection and justice. Today, let us follow the example of the prophet Jeremiah by trusting in God and believing that He will take care of us, even in difficult moments.

In the Gospel, Nicodemus defended Jesus before the religious leaders, arguing that He deserved a fair hearing before judgment. It took courage to challenge the consensus of one’s peers. May we not rush to judge or condemn others simply to fit in with the prevailing view. Instead, may we continue to seek the truth and remain open to recognising the goodness in others.

Reflective question:
How do today’s readings inspire me to stay faithful to God’s ways at all times?

Acknowledgment: Reflections are based on “Prayer for Living: The Word of God for Daily Prayer Year C” by Sr Maria Jose FMVD.