March 21, 26 – Saturday, Fourth Week of Lent: Can Jeremiah, Nicodemus and the Guards resonate in me?

Daily Divine Word:

March 21, 26 – Saturday, Fourth Week of Lent: Can Jeremiah, Nicodemus and the Guards resonate in me?

Jeremiah 11:18-20; John 7:40-53

The Lord Prevails: How would you feel if you found out some people were plotting to assassinate you? That's what happened to Jeremiah. In life, we are sometimes surrounded with challenges, misunderstandings and what may appear to be schemes against us. Jeremiah experiences such a situation in life. He sees and hears people plotting against him. The same people for whom Jeremiah is serving are plotting against him. Its betrayal of confidence. Jeremiah feels broken and shattered. He complains to God and demands an immediate vengeance. Jeremiah turns to God in times of distress. Instead of giving up when faced with schemes against him, he trusts in God’s divine plan. It was God who called him from his mother’s womb. Jeremiah’s life teaches us that people may scheme, plot and mock but the Lord prevails.

Deliberate Choice: Jesus faces a similar situation when those in power respond with hostility, questioning both his ministry and identity, insisting that no prophet or Messiah could come from Galilee. The religious leaders even begin plotting his death. In this tense moment, Nicodemus speaks up, challenging them to uphold the law of Moses, which affirms that an accused person has the right to be heard (Deuteronomy 1:16–17). Rather than considering his point, the authorities mock Nicodemus and dismiss him as ignorant of the Scriptures. Yet in the midst of crisis, Nicodemus makes a deliberate choice to stand for justice and push back against false accusations.

The guards in today’s Gospel are deeply inspiring. Sent by the religious authorities to arrest Jesus, they return empty-handed, explaining that no one has ever spoken like him. They are clearly moved by him. They admire him. In doing so, they take a significant risk; they could face punishment for disobedience, even imprisonment or dismissal from their duties. Yet instead of carrying out the order, they choose to acknowledge what they have witnessed and speak honestly about him. Their courage and integrity are both inspiring and challenging.

Our Takeaway

1. Jeremiah’s life teaches us that people may scheme, plot and mock but the Lord prevails.
2. In the midst of crisis, Nicodemus makes a deliberate choice to stand for justice and push back against false accusations.
3. The guards instead of arresting Jesus, they choose to admire what they witnessed and speak honestly about Jesus risking their life. Their courage and integrity are both inspiring and challenging.
4. Can Jeremiah, Nicodemus and the Guards resonate in me?

Wilson SVD