The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today challenge us to approach the tension between tradition and truth with the inspiration of Jesus teaching.
The Reading from the Book of the Prophet Jeremiah presents the Plot Against Jeremiah.
Psalm 7 expresses hope for the just God’s protection.
* [Psalm 7] An individual lament. The psalmist flees to God’s presence in the sanctuary for justice and protection (Ps 7:2–3) and takes an oath that only the innocent can swear (Ps 7:4–6). The innocent psalmist can thus hope for the just God’s protection (Ps 7:7–14) and be confident that the actions of the wicked will come back upon their own heads (Ps 7:15–17). The justice of God leads the psalmist to praise (Ps 7:18). (Psalms, PSALM 7 | USCCB, n.d.)
The Gospel of John presents discussion about the Origins of the Messiah.
* [7:40–53] Discussion of the Davidic lineage of the Messiah. (John, CHAPTER 7 | USCCB, n.d.)
Vivian Amu comments that Nicodemus steps forward with hesitant courage. He does not claim to have all the answers, nor does he openly identify as a follower of Jesus. However, he dares to voice a question, to challenge the easy certainty of the Pharisees, he asked, “Does our law condemn a man without first hearing him?” Nicodemus reminds us that the journey of faith often begins with a question and that it takes courage to ask questions with humility and seek truth, even when it is easier to remain silent or go along with the crowd. We, too, like the crowd, often resist truths that challenge us—or reject those we deem “unlikely” messengers of God’s grace—someone who does not look the part, does not speak with familiar words, or does not belong to the right group. We might even find ourselves categorizing them as a “threat” rather than an “invitation.” Lent asks us to confront the stubbornness within us. Are there ways we confine God to our expectations? Do we, like the Pharisees, dismiss Christ’s presence in people or situations that seem too ordinary, inconvenient, or uncomfortable?
Both passages underscore how fear—unchecked, unexamined, and unresolved—can distort collective judgment, leading not only to the misjudgment of truth, but also to the unjust treatment of individuals who embody it. Fear is only one voice in the conversation. It need not be the final word. So, where in your life is fear holding too much sway? Whom are we too afraid to defend because it disrupts our comfort? What and whom do we dismiss too quickly?
God of justice, when our fears and preconceived notions blind us to how you move in unexpected ways, please help us to choose faith, to discern, to pause, and listen, trusting that you always see the full picture when we cannot. We entrust our cause back to you, Lord. (Amu, n.d.)
Don Schwager quotes “Not by walking but by loving,” by Augustine of Hippo, 354-430 A.D.
"We approach God not by walking but by loving. The purer our love for him toward whom we are striving, the more present to us will he be. To him, therefore, who is everywhere present and everywhere whole, we must proceed not by our feet but by our moral virtues - judged not by the object of our knowledge but by the object of our love." (excerpt from Letter 155,13) (Schwager, n.d.)
Friar Jude Winkler comments that Jeremiah spoke about the sinfulness of Jerusalem that was punished by the Babylonians. The people of Jerusalem plotted against the Prophet. Vengeance to Jeremiah was to assert that the ways of God have to be respected. In John’s Gospel people are confused by Jesus. How could the Messiah come from Galilee, a mixed, impure population? This origin was distasteful to the Jews who did not realize Jesus was born in Bethlehem, the city of David. The guards refuse to arrest Him after hearing his speech. Nicodemus visits Jesus by night. He half defends him to the authorities. The third time, he steps forward to bury a condemned criminal. Friar Jude reminds us about the growth in his faith. Our faith life has to grow with time.
The Word Among Us Meditation on John 7:40-53 comments that of course, it’s normal to be upset by the injustice in the world. In fact, we should be upset by it! And it’s normal to listen respectfully to those around us who may be skeptical or even cynical. But at the end of the day, we have to listen even more closely to the words of Jesus and let them change us—just as the Temple guards did.
I
t’s supremely human to doubt ourselves. It’s normal to question our experiences, especially when we are confronted with someone else’s strong, overpowering opinions. But amid our doubts and despite the noise from everyone else’s thoughts, opinions, and expectations, we need to remember that Jesus can speak to our hearts in ways that no one else can. His power, compassion, and love for us will never change. And his words, planted in the depth of our hearts, can bring us to life in ways that no other words can.
“Jesus, thank you for your truths, which always bring life to my heart!” (Meditation on John 7:40-53, n.d.)
Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, introduces public theologian Rachel Held Evans (1981–2019) who honors her own parents’ commitment to her well-being and inclusion, despite differences in faith and practice:
When I hear these stories, I empathize, but I can’t relate. Because my parents have been wonderful. We don’t always agree on theology or politics … but my parents have always prioritized maintaining our relationship over maintaining ideological uniformity….
They were, and are, proud of me…. When I blustered, and fulminated, and foolishly rocked the boat for the sake of rocking it, they refused to treat me as a problem or an embarrassment or something to fear. They loved me unconditionally.
I’m pretty sure their response helped preserve my faith. I’m certain it preserved our relationship….
One of the most destructive mistakes we Christians make is to prioritize shared beliefs over shared relationship, which is deeply ironic considering we worship a God who would rather die than lose relationship with us….
God does not demand that we all agree. God only asks that we love one another well. (Rohr, n.d.)
We seek the guidance of the Spirit as we practice our religious tradition ever mindful of the glass darkly through which our human existence often encounters truth and Providence.
References
Amu, V. (n.d.). Daily Reflections. Creighton Online Ministries: Home. Retrieved March 21, 2026, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/daily-reflections/daily-reflection-march-21-2026
Jeremiah, CHAPTER 11 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved March 21, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/jeremiah/11?18
John, CHAPTER 7 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved March 21, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/john/7?40
Meditation on John 7:40-53. (n.d.). Word Among Us. Retrieved March 21, 2026, from https://wau.org/meditations/2026/03/21/1522268/
Psalms, PSALM 7 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved March 21, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/7?2
Rohr, R. (n.d.). Subverting the Honor-and-Shame System: Weekly Summary. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved March 21, 2026, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/subverting-the-honor-and-shame-system-weekly-summary/
Schwager, D. (n.d.). Reaction to Jesus' Words. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved March 21, 2026, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/
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