Yet I, like a trusting lamb led to slaughter, had not realized that they were hatching plots against me...
In the mid-1950's, raising one's own chickens made financial sense. We had a chicken coop with a fenced yard around it. For the price of chicken feed, we enjoyed fresh eggs and a ready supply of meat. My siblings and I loved the spectacle of Dad killing the chickens, especially when the headless creatures escaped and ran across the yard.
The ancient world was equally familiar with "trusting lambs led to slaughter." Their bawling was not unlike the cry of children, their obedience resembled that of soldiers and citizens. Nor was their sudden, bloody death unfamiliar. Lambs, heifers, birds, fish, and people die that others may live. The sacrifice is often necessary and good.
When the first Christians chose to follow the Lord even to martyrdom, their neighbors understood and admired their courage. No one supposed the gospel would thrive because it's a good idea and good ideas succeed without anyone's sacrifice. Changes come because people make changes, not because history has determined their time has come.
These martyrs followed in the footsteps of Jesus; he was the shepherd, the lamb, and the priest who offers their sacrifice. They too offered their lives with the innocence of sheep, trusting and believing that the Lord would raise them as he had been raised. It was not possible that God would ignore or dismiss the gift of their lives, especially as they came to him through ordeals of violence.
Today's gospel invites us to watch like witnesses as the conspiracy against Jesus begins to take shape and the machinery of rules, customs, and procedures close on him. The last sentence -- "Then each went to his own house." -- is portentous. They have made up their minds; the case has been decided. They have only to wait for the hour and the day when the killing must occur. It will be soon.
Our Lenten series of readings from John has brought us to Jerusalem, the Holy City with its sacred temple. This is the place of sacrifice and our God will take his place. We go with him, ready to follow, whatever the cost.
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I love to write. This blog helps me to meditate on the Word of God, and I hope to make some contribution to our contemplations of God's Mighty Works.
Ordinarily, I write these reflections two or three weeks in advance of their publication. I do not intend to comment on current events.
I understand many people prefer gender-neutral references to "God." I don't disagree with them but find that language impersonal, unappealing and tasteless. When I refer to "God" I think of the One whom Jesus called "Abba" and "Father", and I would not attempt to improve on Jesus' language.
You're welcome to add a thought or raise a question.