Reflection for SATURDAY, 5th Week of Lent.
By
Fr. Aloysius Santiago sdb
Rector and Parish Priest
Don Bosco Shrine
Lingarajapuram, Bangalore
Today's Gospel Verses
John 11:49-54
Then one of them, named Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, spoke up, “You know nothing at all! You do not realize that it is better for you that one man die for the people than that the whole nation perish.”
He did not say this on his own, but as high priest that year he prophesied that Jesus would die for the Jewish nation, and not only for that nation but also for the scattered children of God, to bring them together and make them one. So from that day on they plotted to take his life.
Therefore Jesus no longer moved about publicly among the people of Judea. Instead he withdrew to a region near the wilderness, to a village called Ephraim, where he stayed with his disciples.
Today's Reflection
The number of "1" is a number and a numerical digit.
It is the first and smallest positive number.
Although it is the smallest in value, yet it can also have a significant meaning.
The meaning becomes prominent when the Scripture mentions about the "one lost sheep" or the "one who hears the Word of God" and other references to that number.
In the gospel, that number came up as part of a prophecy by Caiaphas, the high priest of that year.
Though he didn't intend it as a prophecy, what he said fulfilled God's plan of salvation.
By the death of that one man, Jesus, God's plan of salvation for the world was realised.
Similarly, whatever each one of us does for the love of God and for the love of others will bring about God's saving grace for the world.
May we always remember that what each one of us does has a significance and an effect on others.
GOD BLESS YOU
Good morning. Have a nice safe day