The temple guards were very impressed with Jesus. They said: "No man ever spoke like that before" (Jn 7:46). Nicodemus knew Jesus was a Teacher Who came from God (Jn 3:2), and wanted to give Him a fair hearing (Jn 7:50ff). The chief priests and Pharisees admitted that many of the common people believed in Jesus (Jn 7:49). The apostles, especially Peter (Mt 26:35) and Thomas (Jn 11:16), said they would die for Jesus. Even Pontius Pilate, the Roman procurator, admitted openly that Jesus was innocent (Mt 27:24). Furthermore, Pilate's wife warned her husband not to condemn Jesus (Mt 27:19).
How was Jesus condemned to death by crucifixion with so many people on His side? Cowardice and apathy were two main factors which put Jesus on the cross. It's the same today. Few people want the evils of abortion, pornography, homosexual activity, racism, and starvation, yet thousands of lives are destroyed and warped daily.
How can so much evil exist with so many good people? It's because of cowardice and apathy. Repent!
| PRAYER: | Father, this Lent help me repent in a deeper way than ever before. |
| PROMISE: | "O Lord, my God, in You I take refuge; save me from all my pursuers and rescue me." –Ps 7:2 |
| PRAISE: | Each month, several youths regularly gather together to pray the rosary in front of a local abortion chamber. |
Reprinted with permission from Presentation Ministries, a lay association of the Catholic Church that focuses on evangelization and discipleship through Bible teaching, daily Mass, the charisms of the Holy Spirit, and Small Christian Community. Their ministries include:
· One Bread, One Body
· Daily Bread Radio Program
· Annual Bible Institute
· Discipleship Retreats
· Guadalupe Bible College