Friday of the Second Week of Lent

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JOHN 11:35  "AND JESUS WEPT"

Amidst the tragedy and isolation of the Covid 19 Pandemic, there has been an opportunity for reflection and renewal. Reading and meditating on the Gospel of John during Lent can be especially inspiring because it reveals the Humanity of Jesus in an intimate way.

In Chapter 3 Jesus has a "one on one" discussion with Nicodemus "who came by night" for fear that he would be ostracized by other Pharisees. Jesus and Nicodemus have a conversation that culminates with vs. 3:16, "For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that those who believe in him may not perish, but have life everlasting."

In Chapter 4 Jesus has another private discussion. This is with the Samaritan Woman at Jacob's Well.  In vs. 14, Jesus promises water that will give "everlasting life." She replies, "Sir give me this water." There is a deeply personal and intimate connection between Jesus and the Woman.

And in Chapter 11, when he hears that his friend and disciple Lazarus has died, vs. 35 reports "AND JESUS WEPT."  This is the Human Jesus; This is Our Jesus.

There are many other Chapters that reveal this side of Jesus While His Divinity is manifested, His Humanity is always present. By focusing on this Nature of the Son of God there is an emotional connection with Him that increases Faith and Hope. For all victims of the Pandemic, Jesus is weeping. For all He gives the hope of Everlasting Life.

Jim McCormack, SFC '63