Friday of the 4th week of Lent
Wisdom 2: 1a.12-22 John 7: 1-2.10.25-30
Theme: Evil devices
The 1st reading from the book of wisdom, presents to us the plotting’s of people who could not stand the challenges thrown at them by the righteous. As a result of that, they are plotting to ensure that the righteous are discredited and destroyed. The lifestyle of the righteous exposes the evil devices of the evil men. As children of God, we are all encouraged to embrace the way of the righteous and guide against the evil imaginations of the ungodly. Our disposition towards objective criticisms will help us to become better people and children of God. We must not always plan for the downfall of those who confront us with facts about our way of life that is not good and pleasing to God. In such a moment, our quest for revenge will easily lead us astray. Let us learn to hand everything over to God and allow him to fight our battles for us. He never fails or disappoints anyone who trusts in him with a sincere heart.
In the gospel reading from St. John, we see Jesus escaping the devices of evil men, because his hour has not yet come. In the same way dear friends in Christ, people can also decide to plot evil against you, but it is God that has the final say about what will happen. If the hour has not yet come, according to the timing of God, no plan of evil against us will succeed. Therefore, we must learn to always trust in God, no matter the situation we find ourselves. He has the final say about our life and not anyone else. The question is, do you believe that it is God that has the final say about anything that happens in our life?
Our liturgy during this season of Lent exposes us to the challenges that we are exposed to as followers of Christ. Jesus Christ our Lord and master has walked through the path of the cross and came out victorious. In the same way, you and I as follows of Christ must also walk that path of the cross that leads to victory. We have all it takes to come out victorious like Christ did; his grace is sufficient for us. Trust in God and continue to do your best as a child of God; he will never fail you.
May God bless his words in our hearts, in the name of the father and of the son and of the holy spirit, Amen. Peace be with you.