Reflection On John 11: 45-56

Julius Irving (Dr. J) will long be remembered as an outstanding star in professional basketball. Once, following an exciting victory for the 76’ers, in which Dr. J sank the winning shot, he was asked to express his feelings. He would take no particular credit for the victory. “I don’t brag when we win”, he said, “and I don’t cry when we lose.” Jesus, like a seasoned athlete, maintained a constant calmness in His heart in the heat of many encounters. He was well aware that His words, actions and miracles would generate both devoted love and intense hatred and jealousy. He brought Lazarus back to life and that brought a crowd of curious onlookers to Bethany to “investigate” this miracle. Some wanted to follow Jesus; others wanted to kill Him. Jesus neither bragged about the victory over death nor cried over the threats of His opponents. He was a symbol of hope and at the same time a sign to be contradicted. His followers must have the same attitude. We cannot equally please all people. Jesus couldn’t either. Had Jesus wanted to peacefully accommodate Himself to everyone, He couldn’t have been the Messiah. Nor can we be true Christians.
It is said that there are three kinds of people: those who make things happen, those who watch things happen and those who have no idea what happens. We find people belonging to all these categories in today’s Gospel. Jesus always made things happen. Many people did not have even the slightest idea of what He did. Some watched Him with wonder and some were so skeptical. While He was a “a problem- solver”. They had a handy solution too; just finish Him! If our eyes fail to capture the wonders that God is doing in our lives there is always the danger that we too may take the stand of Caiaphas and crucify Him; for we may find God as cause of all our problems.
Questions to ponder:
Do we not blame God for things unacceptable?
Do we accept things or situations as a challenge?
How do you interpret Jesus’ right motives for the people?

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