The Power of Love

Gospel: John 12: 1-11

When an institution - be it political, religious, or business - becomes defensive and perceives threats to its existence, there immediately ensues a recourse to violence.  Initially, the justification is minimalist - it is necessary for one man to die for the sake of the nation - but then as in today's Gospel we find the lust for violence spread to others who now need to die.  Today it is Lazarus, tomorrow it may be his sisters or some of the disciples.  Who can say for sure?

It is, of course, unseemly that religious figures are engaged time and again in the scheming to take the lives of others.  It is perhaps more unseemly that we have come to expect it as a matter of normal operating procedure.  The apologetics machine so defensive of faith claims now is employed to justify its allegiance to worldly powers and its vehicles of violence and lies.  Holy Week is played out in real lives year after year, week after week.

The authentic religion of Jesus raises the dead to life, heals the sick, liberates people from their demons, and nourishes them at table.  It rejects the path of lies and violence but is instead their victim, offered freely in love for others.  False religion will choose Barabbas, a political revolutionary and murderer.  The authentic Christian will choose the way of Jesus.  This is our choice this week and every week of our lives.