SATURDAY MARCH 23. 2024
SATURDAY OF THE FIFTH WEEK OF LENT B
Ezekiel 37:21-28
John 11:45-57
THE VALUES OF OUR REDEEMER’S SACRIFICE FOR MANKIND
It was the high priest that year in the person of Caiaphas who prophesied that it is better for one man to die for the people. It is in the capacity of his position as Chief priest that he made this declaration. Meaning that it was necessary and important that Jesus should be crucified, so that mankind may be saved. God himself had chosen and appointed Jesus as our sacrificial lamb that will take away the sins of the people.
The salvation of the people comes from the sufferings, and death of Jesus. Was it actually necessary that Jesus should die, be crucified and suffer such agony? Of course, yes!!!
Jesus came to take away the iniquity, the punishment due to the sins of the whole world. His death replaces the death of all human being. He saved us and this sacrifice is necessary and unavoidable for the sake of man.
Hence the conspiracy against Jesus thickens, the plot to eliminate him becomes widespread and imminent. His death is necessary from the worldly point of view.
The prophet Ezekiel in the first reading, comments on the value of Jesus’ suffering and death. It is intended to bring mankind salvation, to bring unity of mankind, to reconcile man with God, to call man to obedience of God, to purify man and make man citizen of heaven and friend of God.
By his suffering and death, mankind will be set free from the bondage of sins and forgiveness be given. Restoration of life be granted to all and peace shall once more reign between God and man.
So, the sacrifice of Jesus is necessary, important and designed by God for man’s well-being and salvation. In the same vein, we are urged to make sacrifices to further strengthen our wills and desires in following Christ. Our little sacrifices in the form of sharing our life with others, giving in charity, offering helping hands to the needy and even tolerating and accommodating others are all necessary for the salvation of our souls and for the right intention of living together as one family of God, obedient to the father and living in love with all.
We must therefore be ready to make sacrifices too in line with our Saviour and redeemer. , because our sacrifices are necessary and important for our salvation too. Your sacrifices are necessary and never in vein. Good must be propagated by sacrifices and self giving.
Heavenly Father, our Saviour gave his life in atonement for our sins. Help us to appreciate and value those sacrifices of Christ on the way and on the cross of Calvary. May we equally live in imitation of him and be resolute and prepared to make necessary sacrifices for the well-being, unity and betterment of our world and our brothers and sisters through Christ our Lord.
Fr Norbert Uchuno
