Acting on What we Hear

The texts of the Roman Catholic Lectionary today bring to mind the actions of bullying which seems to be more present today in our society. The response we have to encountering a different approach to life than our own, too often is to attempt to find fault with the alternative we witness. The Book of Wisdom details the plotting of people against the virtuous man who by his very actions appears to cause anger and guilt to rise in those who are unable to appreciate his choice of virtue. When a companion will not “go along with the crowd”, particularly when the crowd is slipping into less desirable action, we quickly push the ‘goody’ to the margins. The psalmist reminds us that the intimate relationship with the Divine offered by God is the source of salvation for those crushed in spirit. The righteous person understands the protection and deliverance of Providence. The Gospel of John relates the return of Jesus to Jerusalem for the Feast of Tabernacles. Some of the people recognize Him as the one who speaks and acts in a manner which has angered the religious authorities. They are confused about His identity as the Christ, the anointed. The guidance of the authorities would seem to discourage seeing Him as One from God. He is protected in this visit from capture by the authorities. The will of the Father which He lives is providing His security.