Every day of Lent, Bishop Edward Malesic writes a Scripture reflection for the faithful. Follow the bishop on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
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Sometimes God uses unwitting people to proclaim a great or eternal truth. Have you ever said something that touched someone else very deeply, but you did not realize it at the time? They come back to tell you what you said and how it was so moving for them. But you cannot even remember saying it. I know that this has happened to me more than once.
God uses people as instruments of his wisdom according to his own purposes.
Today in the Gospel, Caiaphas, who was holding the office of high priest for the year, said something that is profound – but he didn’t know it. He said, “(I)t is better for you that one man should die instead of the people, so that the whole nation may not perish." (Jn 11:50)
This is a central mystery of our faith. Jesus died so that a multitude of others would come to believe in him and find eternal live.
How thankful must all of us be that Jesus took upon himself the sins of the world, nailed them to the cross with him. Then, just as he died, our sins died with him too as they were washed away in his blood – as we were forgiven and saved by the death of this one most innocent man.
Caiaphas said what all of us have come to know. It was better that Jesus die for us and save us, than that all of us die without hope.
Praised be Jesus Christ. Now and forever. Amen.