Lo, I am about to create new heavens
and a new earth;
The things of the past shall not be remembered
or come to mind.
Instead, there shall always be rejoicing and happiness
in what I create;
For I create Jerusalem to be a joy
and its people to be a delight;
I will rejoice in Jerusalem
and exult in my people.
As we turn to the Gospel of Saint John and more deeply into the mysteries of Lent, we hear the Voice of God exulting in the pleasure of creating new heavens and a new earth, for he re-creates Jerusalem to be a joy.
We don't usually think of the Lord's ordeal on Good Friday as a cause for joy; it seems to be a pleasant occasion neither for God nor for us. And yet we have heard Jesus declare how eager he is to accomplish his mission.
There's nothing unusual about adults being ready to face a trial or test of their courage and willingness. They know their mission and understand their part in what must be accomplished. They have considered it, prepared for it, and are eager to get on with it. A soldier might go willingly even to a suicidal mission, knowing that the cause is just and the end attainable. Children may balk, but that's the difference between adults and children. Jesus, a Child of God, knows what he is about.
Lent has invited us to do penance; that is, to consider both our sins and our tendencies to sin. Lent insists that we are sinners and are quite helpless in our sins. When we are at ease, our minds are careless puppies scampering about without a care in the world. Ill at ease, we ruminate endlessly over problems we cannot solve and the crises we have created. Only in inspired prayer do we find relief. As the old saying goes, "When all else fails, pray." In that we find our purpose, and follow him.
Jesus is intent on going to Jerusalem. He is equally intent on continuing to announce the Gospel, heal the sick, and call sinners to repentance. All this despite growing opposition. His deliberateness seems to call his enemies to arms although he remains defenseless. They will do everything and anything to stop him; no excess will be too much if it stops this man!
On that final day an entire city will be aroused by a murderous paroxysm. It will seize everyone who has carelessly gone along to get along. There will be no exceptions; everyone will be either sheep or goat.
That Jerusalem is the holy city will be utterly forgotten; and when the seizure has passed, the curtain of the temple will be torn in two.
With fear and trembling, we follow him.
