Let us see whether his words be true; let us find out what will happen to him.
Wisdom 2:17
Some historians speculate that April Fools’ Day dates back to 1582 when Pope Gregory XIII ordered the use of the Gregorian calendar that made January 1st New Year's Day. In the Julian Calendar, the new year began with the spring equinox around April 1. Some people, however, didn't know about the new schedule, or perhaps they just didn't think it made any sense. They continued to celebrate on April 1 and were called "fools" for doing so. This is the origin of our annual day of pranks and practical jokes. However today, we hear from the Book of Wisdom and the Gospel of St. John. Both readings are foreboding in tone, not fooling around at all. When Jesus preaches in Jerusalem the question from his hearers is not “Is this true?” Instead they focus on “messiah minutiae.” How can he be the Christ when they know he's from Galilee? What are we focused on this Lent--fooling ourselves with trivialities versus the absolute truths of our Faith?
Have we spent Lent on “minutiae” or have we tried to come closer to “the way, the TRUTH, and the light, Jesus Christ?
Heavenly Father, may we know the truth of your son Jesus Christ, with our minds and our hearts, so that we may share it courageously, and not get caught up in the “minutiae” of the secular world that we are living in. Amen.
Today’s Reflection is by:
Holly Benfield
Did you know...
Holly Benfield is the RCIA Coordinator at St. John Vianney Parish in St. Pete Beach. The joy of seeing people being moved by the Holy Spirit to courageously inquire about Jesus Christ and His church, and then growing in that love of Him, is truly one of the blessings of her life.
