5th Sunday of Lent (Year B)
Scriptures: Jer. 31:31-34; Ps. 50:3-4, 12-15; Heb. 5:7-9; Jn. 12:20-33
This year, our Lenten theme for reflection is ‘journey’, which was inspired by Pope Francis. Over the last four weeks, we reflected on different aspects of the journey in our lives. This season of Lent is also a journey of forty days which reveals to us some deep and hidden truths, boosting our morale and helping us to reach our destination. At the onset of the fifth week of Lent, we are slowly approaching the climax of our journey. And once again, this Sunday’s liturgy offers us another important life insight. It says that a clear vision, backed by definite plans, gives you great confidence and power to achieve our goals in our lives.
The Gospel narrates an incidence that took place in Jerusalem. A careful examination makes us realize it was a kind of distraction from the main goal. The event took place on the day when Jesus entered Jerusalem triumphantly. Jesus rode on a colt; the one that had never been ridden before. His disciples spread their cloaks on the colt for Jesus to sit on and the multitudes came out to welcome Him by placing their cloaks and palm branches on the street as a sign of welcome. The people hailed and praised Him as the King who comes in the name of the Lord. (Mk. 11:17). We will recall this event on the coming Sunday which is also known as Palm Sunday.
Looking at the remarkable welcome, his authoritative teaching and curing the sick, the Greeks wanted to meet him. Philip and Andrew were excited about it because everyone knew that the Greeks were known for their knowledge and philosophy. The Jews and now the Greeks approaching Jesus was the cause of celebration. It was clear for the Jews that Jesus had acknowledged that He was their messiah. They believed Jesus would lead them in a revolt against Rome. He would deliver them from slavery. He would restore the sovereignty of Israel just like David.
The great welcome and recognition by the crowd was a kind of distraction. It was not in the plan of God. Jesus knew the will of His Father. His eyes were focused on Calvary. He knew what He had to go through on the Mt. Calvary. He told his disciples the real kingship will be seen during his crucifixion. By talking about the hour and the grain of wheat, Jesus reveals that the Jews and the Greeks (which means to say the entire human race) will be drawn to Him. Jesus will be accessible to all after his death and resurrection. This was the goal of Jesus’ journey.
This goal was revealed long ago by the Prophet Jeremiah. Jeremiah who lived in the time of Babylonian exile had seen difficult days. He knew the reasons for which Israel had to face all problems. God made a covenant with Noah, Abraham and Moses at every interval. They had broken all the covenant with God. Jeremiah foretold that God would make a new covenant with Israel. It would be written on the hearts of the people and hence could not be wiped out. Jesus was the fulfilment of this promise that God revealed through prophet Jeremiah.
Jesus had a clear vision and he knew the plan of God, His Father. It helped him to be confident and empowered to go through the journey. It appeared to be a difficult passage. The people were not ready to accept the death of the messiah. They were not ready to accept their messiah would be lifted up. But the writer of Hebrews says that Christ offered himself up. He accepted suffering. He submitted himself so humbly to the plan of God.
It is our experience that towards the end of the journey, we get distractions. We lose our focus. We feel satisfied with whatever we have achieved. We often take a break from our journey and subsequently abandon our journey. Jesus had the same temptation. The people both the Jews and the Greeks were waiting to make Him a messiah but he wanted to fulfil the plan of God.
What about our journey of life? We are almost nearing our destination i.e. the feast of Pasch. We have followed Lenten observances. There might be temptations on our way. Let us refocus ourselves. Let us have a clear vision with the definite plan to meet the resurrected Lord, the salvation of our lives.
