Search
-
March 23, 2024God is faithful to his promises but that doesn’t mean we necessarily understand his promises. In the volatile political climate of the 1st century, the Sanhedrin is concerned that the excitement surrounding Jesus will bring about a Roman takeover. In a desire to preserve the nation and the land, both of which had seemingly been promised to them by God, they decide Jesus’ death is necessary. We could condemn them for plotting against an innocent man. From history, though, we know their fears were not imaginary and that some 35-37 years later, the Romans did seize the land, burn the Temple, and destroy the nation. To the Sanhedrin Jesus was not innocent, but a threat to national security. Ezekiel prophesied during the Babylonian Captivity that a time would come when Israel would be gathered back into its own land, even the lost tribes of the Northern Kingdom. A Davidic king would rule them forever in a covenant of peace. The sanctuary set up among them would be established forever. After the restoration of Israel, with such promises, surely everything must be done to protect the nation and the Temple. The Sanhedrin was looking out for the common good. The deep irony of all this is that we know as Christians that Jesus himself is the Davidic king, whose reign will last forever. He is the sanctuary established forever. And Caiaphas was right, it was better that one man die than the nation perish, but Jesus did not die just for the nation. He died for the whole world.
At this time in history, many of our Dominican monasteries are consolidating or being suppressed. Sometimes the nuns who take this hardest are the most recently professed. They feel like God has not kept his part of the bargain. Why would he call them to a place destined to close? They entered with the expectation of dying in that monastery. We have had to realize that in making our vows, the perpetuity of our monastery is not assured. As an earthly spouse can die, so can an institution. Many of our apostolic Sisters have also experienced this in the merging or closing of their congregations. And our brethren, especially in Europe, are witnessing once flourishing provinces diminish and disappear. There is no denying that this is sad. However, today’s readings teach an important lesson. We don’t know exactly how God will fulfill his promises. We need to trust him even when what we cherish most deeply seems threatened. We are all baptized into his death, so many forms of dying will be part of our Christian life. May we be attentive to the Spirit during these times so we do not miss or even end up persecuting Our Savior.
[click here for the readings of the day]
