John 10:40
He went back across the Jordan to the place where John first baptized, and there he remained.
Have you ever walked into a room at work and those already in the room stopped talking? You might have gotten the sense that they were talking about you. Chances are fairly good that they were either talking about you, or talking about something that you might be sensitive to, that maybe they didn't want you in on. Maybe the conversation was about your future, your attitude, your demeanor around the office. Maybe they were conspiring against you. Maybe they were planning something that could trip you up, waiting for you to make a mistake. These thoughts can make you guarded or paranoid.
Jesus had this same experience. He knew that local church and government leaders were conspiring against him. Even some in his circle of friends were in on it (as we'll see next week). In today's gospel, Jesus is attacked and nearly stoned but breaks away and goes back to where he was first baptized.
When we're in trouble we might go to a place that we feel most comfortable. Most of us run to Jesus in prayer. We go to church, or a quiet place to pray fervently. We offer up prayers for mercy, forgiveness, healing…we are desperate. It's interesting that the gospel writer noted that Jesus went back "across the Jordan, to the place where John first baptized." Most of us were baptized in a church. We also go there in our time of need for safety and spiritual comfort. Remember that Jesus was fully God and fully man. As we move into Palm Sunday imagine the stress he must a felt knowing that pain and suffering that was coming ahead. If you are suffering with some kind of stress or malady, run to God. Maybe you've been away from the church for some time. Now is your chance to come home. This Sunday, make it a point to get up and get back to Church, for all are welcome!
