Overview:

Friday of the Fourth Week of Lent

A Reflection for Friday of the Fourth Week of Lent

“Could the authorities have realized that he is the Christ?
But we know where he is from.
When the Christ comes, no one will know where he is from.” (John 7:27)

Find today’s readings here.

We often think we know more than we do.

We are convinced that we should do this, not that; listen to her, not him. Occasionally, we act this way because pride and arrogance get the best of us. But more often than not, we simply aren’t as open-minded as we should be.

This Gospel story is a powerful reminder to be humble and curious. The people of Jerusalem are confused about Jesus’ identity, convinced that he cannot be the Christ because they know where he is from. He grew up in Nazareth. When it comes to the real Christ, no one will actually know where he is from. Right?

It’s easy to underestimate the people we know. It’s easy to undervalue significant interactions because they seem ordinary. It’s easy to miss important lessons or meaningful moments because we think we know how certain scenarios are supposed to play out.

The people of Jerusalem doubted Jesus’ identity as the Christ because they knew the town where he was raised. While I don’t blame them for being skeptical, the takeaway from this story is clear. If they had remained more open-minded, they would have had the opportunity to encounter Jesus in a way that may have changed their lives. And they would have learned that there is quite a bit more to his story.

Accepting that there are things we don’t know and people we can learn from is fundamental to a life worth living. By being constantly curious, we allow ourselves the chance to be changed by some beautiful surprises.

Jackson Goodman is the Strategic Programs Manager at America Media, creating mission-driven events in partnership with Jesuit schools and parishes. He is a graduate of Fordham Prep and Boston College.