His hour has come. Now, the passion play commences. The scene is set, and the drama is about to unfold. Yet, we are no mere spectators. Caiaphas, unwittingly, has it right—even in the darkness of his intention: ‘It is better for you to have one man die for the people than to have the whole nation destroyed’ (John 11:50). Jesus must offer himself upon the cross as a liberation from the destructive influence of sin.

Caiaphas and the other Jewish leaders express their concern for the ‘holy place and our nation’ (John 11:48). They are right to be concerned; 40 years later, after a rebellion by the Jewish people, the Romans do indeed destroy the city and the temple. Are they truly concerned for the welfare of the people? Who can say? God alone knows the interior motivations of the heart, but they are, at the least, profoundly misguided. For in seeking peace, they put to death the Prince of Peace. In looking to protect the ‘holy place of Israel’, they breach the temple wall of the Holy One of God.

Today’s Gospel finishes with the observation that, as the festival of the Passover was drawing near, many came to the city of Jerusalem to take part in the sacrificial and ritual actions and thus purify themselves (John 11:55). Let us also gather in Jerusalem; let us be present to the mystery as we pilgrimage through Holy Week. Jesus will indeed die for the people—all people. More personally, he will offer himself for me. Out from his pierced side, from the temple of his heart and soul, will flow purifying water and saving blood (cf. Ezekiel 47; John 19:34). His death delivers me from death; this is the new ‘Passover’ of God.

by Fr Michael Grace