Saturday of the Fourth Week of Lent

Readings of the Day

This particular Gospel passage starts with a very lively discussion regarding who Jesus truly is.  In order to understand it, it’s important to look at its context. The Jewish people had gathered, as was their custom, for the Festival of Booths, a tradition that still takes place today.  During this celebration, Jesus went to the temple area and began to teach.  His knowledge of scripture was challenged, his background was questioned, and he was recognized as the one that people thought authorities were looking to arrest and kill.

The dialogue that takes place is from the next morning. Some of those gathered believe Jesus to be the Christ, some believe him to be the Prophet, and some want him arrested.  It is Nicodemus who speaks up and gives the Pharisees - and us - some very valuable guidance.  Recall that Nicodemus is the person who went to see Jesus at night for fear of being caught conversing with him.  Jesus instructs Nicodemus that he, Jesus, is the Light.  He further challenges Nicodemus and the world to move out of darkness.  Jesus says to move away from evil and see the Light of the World shining for all.  

Nicodemus, in today’s Gospel passage, tells the Pharisees not to “Condemn a man before they first hear him and find out what he is doing.”  In other words, do not prejudge someone.  Find out more.  Do not rush to judgment.  

In the world today, there is so much division, so much polarization.  I would venture to say that much of that division and polarization is caused by people rushing to snap judgments, without taking the time to truly understand, without making effort to research or educate themselves.  Nicodemus knew who Jesus was, having encountered him before.  He tried to educate the Pharisees, but they wanted no part.  Nicodemus sought to have the Pharisees approach Jesus with open minds and hearts.  But their minds and hearts were already made up.  Nicodemus' words rang hollow to the Pharisees.  How about for us?  Where are we guilty of prejudices, of pre-judging someone or something without truly understanding?  As we continue on our Lenten journey of conversion, may we have open minds and open hearts to the needs of our brothers and sisters in God’s wonderful family.

Paul Kipfstuhl is the Director of the Social Action Office for Catholic Charities Diocese of Cleveland - Wayne, Ashland and Medina Counties.  He also is a Permanent Deacon assigned to St. Francis Xavier Parish in Medina, Ohio.

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