choosing sides
"Then He went back across the Jordan." —John 10:40
On one side of the Jordan, the people accused Jesus of blaspheming and "reached for rocks to stone Him" (Jn 10:31). Later, they "tried to arrest Him" (Jn 10:39).
On the other side of the Jordan, "many people came to" Jesus and believed in Him (Jn 10:41-42).
What side are you on? At first, we all say we are on the side believing in Jesus. That's what the crowds said on the first Palm Sunday as they cried out: "Hosanna to the Son of David!" (Mt 21:9) Nevertheless, five days later almost everyone contributed to Jesus' crucifixion by their actions or their absence.
What side are you on? Before you answer with your mouth, look at what your life is saying about your love for Jesus. If someone saw a videotape of your everyday life without the sound, would it be abundantly clear that you have decided to be crucified with Jesus (Gal 2:19) instead of crucifying Him? If you're on Jesus side, you're on the cross. If you're on the other side, you are the cross.
It's almost Holy Week in the year of the Great Jubilee. We have no choice but to choose sides. Choose to be at the side of Jesus. Choose the cross.
Prayer: Jesus, I choose to be at Your pierced side (see Jn 19:34).
Promise: "He has rescued the life of the poor from the power of the wicked!" —Jer 20:13
Praise: Laura repented of lethargy and sloth and is now filled with a supernatural energy to serve God's people.
Nihil Obstat: Reverend Edward J. Gratsch, October 4, 1999
Imprimatur: †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, October 12, 1999