In order to conceal the truth and cling to their power, the chief priests will get rid of anyone who stands in their way and not just Jesus. The raising of Lazarus was a powerful demonstration of what God did and is still doing through Jesus. The ‘dead man walking’ surely convinced many of the doubters among the Jews that Jesus was God. The chief priests did not
like this and their murderous plans now extend to Lazarus. There is no stopping their greed and hunger for power.
The good news is that there is no stopping God either. The prophet Isaiah assures us of this in the first reading. God will see justice done no matter the cost. Calmly and gently, justice will be done, with no crying out and shouting aloud. The Lord will still open the eyes of the blind and free captives and those who live in darkness. There is a real sense of triumph in Isaiah; God will
reign and despite all opposition Gods’ servant will not give up doing what he was sent to do. It would be good to keep this reading in mind as we follow Jesus in these last few days before his violent death. Nothing can upset God’s plan, and although things may seem totally out of control and not always obvious, God will triumph. Gently.
Jesus knows his fate yet refuses to run from it because he also knows that through his crucifixion God will triumph. As we hear today, Jesus in his encounter with Judas knows death is near. Note how quickly Jesus is able to see through Judas who, pretending to be concerned for the poor, protests against the so-called waste of expensive ointment. Knowing the real reason Judas is objecting has
nothing to do with the poor, Jesus does not allow him to get away with his deceit. Staring death in the face, Jesus continues to stand up for what is right and remains on the side of those who, like Mary, attempt to be honest and righteous in spite of their failures. Mary was unafraid to show how she felt for the Lord even if this meant anointing Jesus with very expensive ointment and risking the wrath of onlookers. Nothing holds her back from the Lord – no expense and no
objections.
As we move closer to the cross, we should pray more intently for the ability to let go of all that prevents us from seeing God triumph. We should pray that we never become like Judas, covering up the truth and selling the Lord for our misguided greed. Let us never take our eyes off God who triumphs even in the hopelessness we sometimes experience. May we be willing, like Mary, to do what it
takes to get closer to the Lord and show the Lord our desire for him to reign in us.
Do I believe that God will triumph no matter what?
Can I, like Mary, tell the Lord openly and honestly how I feel as his death approaches?
