Obeying My Father!

Friday, April 11, 2025

Jer 20:10-13; Jn 10:31-42

Today’s Gospel continues to highlight Jesus being tormented by the Jews over his identity claims. 

When his haters accuse him of blasphemy, Jesus defends himself by citing his obedience to his Father. 

What we must note is that Jesus’ obedience to his Father resulted in good works that all were amazed at. However, while obeying God is the same as doing good, doing good amounts to antagonizing some when they tend to only selectively admire, without internalizing the entire body of Jesus’ works. 

It is painful to find Jesus asking, ‘For which of the good works are you trying to stone me?’ 

Here, the rejection of Jesus is threefold.

1.While Jesus tries to establish his identity as the Son of God through his good ‘works,’ they reject him. 

2. Jesus’ enemies discredit his ‘words’ and refute his claim over his divine sonship. 

3. Even when he cites the ‘Scripture’ for his defense, they fail to perceive the truth. 

Though he makes a concession saying that they should at least believe in the works that God inspired through him, they are unwilling and hesitant. 

Here is where we locate the core problem. 

The good works of Jesus had only instrumental value among his haters. They admired his works only when it suited their agenda and hated him when he manifested God’s mercy. Jesus’ preaching and healing mission were not understood for what they symbolized, and he himself was not recognized for who he was. 

Thus, Jesus, the personification of goodness, is subject to unjust suffering and constant ill-treatment. 

What does Jesus do? In his own characteristic way, he moves into other regions, ever spreading God’s goodness.

The suffering of Jesus reveals that the suffering of the good people is the curse of our times.

Let us pray that we may admire what is good and be moved by its compelling force. 

Fr. Dhinakaran Savariyar