Episode 3018: The Just Man’s Trial - Morning Episode

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Christus Vincit: Christ’s Triumph Over the Darkness of the Age – Bishop Athanasius Schneider

A modern defense of traditional Catholicism against contemporary errors.

"The Just Man’s Trial: Trusting in God’s Timing Amidst Persecution"
Welcome to today's episode, where we explore the scripture readings and the feast day commemorations for Friday of the Fourth Week in Lent, as outlined in the 1962 Roman Missal published by Angelus Press. Our focus will be on the themes presented in these texts from a traditional Catholic perspective, culminating in a concluding prayer to guide us through this Lenten season.
Scripture Readings:
Please note that the specific readings for weekdays in Lent can vary based on the liturgical calendar and the particular missal in use. The following readings are traditionally associated with Friday in the Fourth Week of Lent in the 1962 Roman Missal:
Epistle: Wisdom 2:1, 12-22
In this passage, the wicked conspire against the just man, plotting to test his patience and virtue. They challenge his righteousness and seek to condemn him to a shameful death, reasoning that if he is truly God's son, God will defend him. This text is a prophetic foreshadowing of the sufferings of Christ
Gospel: John 7:1-13
This passage recounts Jesus moving about in Galilee, avoiding Judea because the Jews were seeking to kill him. As the Feast of Tabernacles approaches, his brethren urge him to go to Judea to manifest his works openly. Jesus responds that his time has not yet come, emphasizing the divine timing of his mission. Eventually, he goes up to the feast in secret. Among the people, there is much murmuring and debate about him, yet no one speaks openly for fear of the Jewish authorities.
Reflections:
Epistle Reflection (Wisdom 2:1, 12-22):
This passage from the Book of Wisdom presents a vivid portrayal of the mindset of the wicked as they plot against the just. They view the righteous man as a reproach to their way of life, his very existence a reminder of their own moral failings. Their decision to test and ultimately condemn him stems from a desire to validate their own choices and to silence the voice of conscience that the just man's life represents.
This text is profoundly prophetic, foreshadowing the Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ. The unjust accusations, the mockery, and the resolve to put Him to a shameful death all mirror the sufferings that Christ endured. As we meditate on this passage during Lent, we are invited to reflect on our own responses to righteousness and truth. Do we, like the wicked in the passage, find ourselves resisting the call to holiness? Are there moments when we reject or dismiss those who challenge us to live more virtuously? This Lenten season calls us to examine our hearts, to repent for the times we've opposed God's will, and to seek the grace to stand firm in righteousness, even when faced with opposition.
Gospel Reflection (John 7:1-13):
In this Gospel passage, we observe Jesus exercising prudence and obedience to the Father's timing. Despite the urgings of his brethren to reveal Himself openly, Jesus remains attuned to the divine schedule, understanding that His mission unfolds according to the Father's will, not human expectations.
The murmuring and divided opinions among the people highlight the varied responses to Jesus' ministry. Some recognize His goodness, while others are skeptical or fearful. Yet, a common thread is the reluctance to speak openly about Him due to fear of the authorities.
This scenario prompts us to reflect on our own witness to Christ. Are we hesitant to profess our faith openly due to societal pressures or fear of judgment? Do we seek to align our actions with God's timing and will, even when it contradicts the world's urgings? Lent is a time to cultivate courage in our faith journey, to trust in God's providential timing, and to be bold witnesses of the Gospel, regardless of external opposition.
Feast Day Commemoration:
According to the 1962 Roman Missal, April 4th is the feast day of St. Isidore of Seville, Bishop, Confessor, and Doctor of the Church. St. Isidore, who lived in the 6th and 7th centuries, served as the Archbishop of Seville and was instrumental in the conversion of the Visigothic kings from Arianism to Catholicism. He is renowned for his scholarly works, including the "Etymologiae," an encyclopedia that sought to preserve the knowledge of antiquity. St. Isidore's dedication to education and the preservation of knowledge earned him the title of Doctor of the Church. His life exemplifies the harmonious integration of faith and reason, reminding us of the importance of seeking truth in all its forms.
Themes of the Day:
• Persecution of the Righteous: The Epistle underscores the reality that those who pursue righteousness may face opposition and misunderstanding. This theme invites us to remain steadfast in our faith, even when confronted with adversity.
• Divine Timing: The Gospel emphasizes the importance of aligning our actions with God's will and timing. It challenges us to trust in God's plan, even when it diverges from human expectations or pressures.
• Witnessing Faith Openly: The hesitation of the people to speak openly about Jesus due to fear serves as a reflection point for our own willingness to profess our faith boldly in the public sphere.
• Integration of Faith and Reason: The commemoration of St. Isidore of Seville highlights the value of knowledge and education in the service of faith. It encourages us to seek a deeper understanding of our beliefs and to appreciate the richness of the Church's intellectual tradition.
Quotes for Reflection:
• "Let us condemn him to a most shameful death." Wisdom 2:20
• "My time is not yet come: but your time is always ready." John 7:6
Conclusionary Prayer
In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.
Heavenly Father, in this sacred season of Lent, we come before You with hearts open to Your divine will. As we reflect on the sufferings of the just man foretold in the Book of Wisdom, we see the foreshadowing of Your Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, who bore persecution for our redemption. Grant us the grace to remain steadfast in faith, even when faced with opposition and misunderstanding.
Blessed Mother, Our Lady of Sorrows, you stood steadfast at the foot of the Cross, unwavering in faith as your Son endured His Passion. Intercede for us, that we too may have the courage to remain faithful in all trials and to trust in the providence of God’s perfect plan.
We ask all these things through Christ our Lord. Amen.
In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.