Reflection for March 27 Friday of the Fifth Week of Lent: John 10:31-42

Gospel: John 10:31-42

The Jews picked up rocks to stone Jesus. Jesus answered them, "I have shown you many good works from my Father. For which of these are you trying to stone me?" The Jews answered him, "We are not stoning you for a good work but for blasphemy. You, a man, are making yourself God." Jesus answered them, "Is it not written in your law, 'I said, 'You are gods"'? 

If it calls them gods to whom the word of God came, and Scripture cannot be set aside, can you say that the one whom the Father has consecrated and sent into the world blasphemes because I said, 'I am the Son of God'? If I do not perform my Father's works, do not believe me; but if I perform them, even if you do not believe me, believe the works, so that you may realize and understand that the Father is in me and I am in the Father." Then they tried again to arrest him; but he escaped from their power. 

He went back across the Jordan to the place where John first baptized, and there he remained. Many came to him and said, "John performed no sign, but everything John said about this man was true." And many there began to believe in him.

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Reflection:

Raffy was a well-known figure in their parish church. He was often consulted whenever there were problems to solve or decisions to be made. In many ways, he had become a trusted voice in the community.

Then someone new came into the parish—a humble man whose wisdom was quiet yet deeply profound. Little by little, the people began to gravitate toward him. His humility spoke louder than words, and his wisdom touched hearts.

As this happened, Raffy felt something stir within him. Instead of rejoicing, he began to feel threatened. Slowly, envy took root in his heart, and he began to plan how to bring this humble man down so that he could once again take the center stage.

In the same way, the growing hostility of the Jews toward Jesus was not only because of His declaration that He and the Father are one. It was also driven by envy—especially as they saw how ordinary people were drawn to Him. Their influence was fading, and instead of opening their hearts to the truth, they allowed jealousy and pride to take over. Because of this, they plotted to silence Him at all costs.

In our own lives, we may encounter people who seem better than us—more gifted, more appreciated, or even more humble. When that happens, what stirs in our hearts? Do we quietly celebrate God’s work in them, or do we begin to compare, compete, and feel diminished?

To rejoice when someone else is being lifted up, especially when we are being set aside, is not easy. It touches something deep within us—our desire to be seen, to be recognized, to be valued. Yet, as followers of Jesus, we are called to something greater. We are invited to live with humility, to let go of envy, and to trust that our worth does not depend on recognition but on God’s love for us.

The Pharisees and scribes made a tragic mistake. They allowed envy and pride to take control of their hearts, and in doing so, they became blind to the very presence of God before them.

As we reflect on this, let us look honestly within ourselves. When someone else rises and we seem to fade into the background, will we choose humility and rejoice with them—or will we allow envy to take root in our hearts?—Marino J. Dasmarinas