They would have arrested him then, but because his time had not yet come no one laid a hand on him.
John 7:1-2, 10, 25-30
In today’s Gospel reading we hear how Jesus’ teaching
began to attract the attention of the authorities in Jerusalem who
wanted to arrest him and put him to death. Jesus decides to avoid this threat and continue his ministry in Galilee because “his time had not yet come”.
This passage serves as a beautiful reminder of God’s plan for his creation. We may sometimes feel eager to move on to the next stage in our lives or unsure what step to take next. It is only with careful prayer and discernment that we may understand what God wants for us and when our own time has come.
Hearing about the many dangers Jesus faced during his ministry shows that the life of a Christian is not always an easy or peaceful one, and that there will be hardships to face.
The Gospel reminds us that there are still people across the globe who are made to suffer for their religious beliefs, such as the many Christians who continue to be subject to persecution in the Middle East.
It is our calling as followers of Christ to show compassion to those who are fleeing war and persecution and to fight such injustice wherever we encounter it, for when we turn a blind eye to those in need it is Jesus himself who we ignore.