“Does our law condemn a person before it first hears him and finds out what he is doing?”
Jn 7:51
Are we open-minded? This question perplexes many times when we are engaged in a “discussion”. Have I so set my conviction, rightly or wrong, such that no words or proof can change my position? This is the case for the Pharisees in today’s gospel, who question the guard’s loyalty for not arresting Jesus. The guards’ hearts were touched by Jesus’ words, yet the Pharisees were not moved. Even Nicodemus is rebuffed by his fellow Pharisees for reproofing their conviction, “You are not from Galilee also, are you?” (Jn 7:52b) Our Lenten journey is nearly spent; am I complacent/convicted in the adequacy of my Lenten observance, or am I open to hear the call of the Lord to something yet greater? Am I busy about rubrics, or am I deeply praying and seeking the Lord’s words? The Pharisees, considered some of the greatest religious minds of their time, missed it despite many times hearing Jesus. Let our minds be open to the Lord, even if the word isn’t what we expect.
Am I truly open to conversions in my life when called by the Lord?
Lord, open my heart to hear your words during this Holy Season of Lent. Amen.
Today’s Reflection is by:
Alan Gauzens
Did you know...
Alan Gauzens is a parishioner at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Dunedin. There, he is a lector and active in men’s ministries including the Knights of Columbus, That Man Is You! and Tap Into Discipleship. A 2019 graduate of the Lay Pastoral Ministry Institute, Alan and his wife Joanne have been married for 40 years and are blessed with 4 children.
