Friday of the Fourth Week of Lent

Readings of the Day

In one sense, one might think it's a disadvantage to follow Jesus and try to live by his words and example. Some people see Jesus’ words and his way of life as weak or unrealistic. Jesus even had to warn his disciples not to retaliate with violence and anger toward those who challenged him (See Mt 26:51-54; Lk 9:51-56). 

For Jesus, the focus remained on being faithful to God and saving humanity. Returning evil for evil is not an option; the sword must stay in its sheath. Jesus combatted evil with the good. Seeing this as a weakness, his enemies tested his fidelity. Every disciple of Jesus will face the same scrutiny: do you mean what you say?

“Let us beset the just one, because he is obnoxious to us;

he sets himself against our doings,

reproaches us for transgressions of the law…” Wis 2:12

The crucifixion seems to bolster Jesus’ enemies, but the resurrection heralds Christ’s victory. Still, the journey is not easy; we have to apply Jesus’ words to the situations we face. His victory does not dissipate doubt. Even Jesus had his Gethsemane. What we have is a promise filled with hope, and we have a model to follow.

When we are tempted to return meanness for meanness, to give up because it seems we are alone, or even to reject the way of Christ as too idealistic, we can bring to mind that Jesus remained faithful by abiding in his father:

“I did not come on my own, but the one who sent me, whom you do not know, is true.” Jn 7:28

We remain faithful by abiding in Jesus, who brings us home.

David Werning is the director of content development for Catholic Charities USA.

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