A Homily for Friday of the Fourth Week of Lent
Friday, April 4, 2025
Prince of Peace Catholic Church – 8:00 Mass
Wisdom 2:1a, 12-22; Psalm 34:17-18, 19-20, 21 and 23; John 7:1-2, 10, 25-30
The Jewish Feast of Tabernacles was one of three great feasts during which the people made a pilgrimage to the Temple in Jerusalem to commemorate God’s saving action in their lives. This particular feast was to commemorate the 40 years that the Israelites traveled through the desert and dwelt in tents, or booths, as they wandered and were led by Moses. Therefore, the feast is also referred to as the “Feast of Booths.” During the seven days of this feast, people would set up tents (booths) around the Temple area and live in them to commemorate the journey of their ancestors.
That particular year, when the feast was half over, Jesus appeared in the Temple area and began to teach. Many were amazed at His words, and others thought He was possessed. After teaching the people, there was much disagreement among them about our Lord’s identity. They were saying that it is impossible that He could be the Messiah because we know where he is from and when the Christ comes, no one will know where he is from. Jesus said to them, “You know me and also know where I am from? I don’t think so!
The Jewish people simply could not accept that Jesus was could be the divine Messiah, the anointed King of Israel. That he was sent by the Heavenly Father. He was too common; He was too much like themselves. How could this common man from Nazareth be the Messiah? They could not comprehend how Jesus could be both God and man…that God himself came among us as one of us in all ways but sin.
In a symbolic way, Jesus’ presence at the Feast of Tabernacles reveals Him as the new Moses. It was Moses who led the people through the desert for 40 years toward the promised land while they dwelt in tents.
Our Lord now takes on that role of leading the people who were commemorating this 40-year journey by appearing in the Temple and pointing the people to Heaven, the true Promised Land.
Today, our Lord continues to lead His people through the journey of life by coming to each of us to teach us and to reveal His divine presence. Some listen, believe and continue on the journey. To those of us who believe through the gift of faith, the secrets of our Lord are revealed. Others do not believe and, as a result of their lack of faith, fail to discover the hidden presence of our Lord all around them in his people and in all of his creation.
Reflect, today, upon the image of Jesus coming to you during your long journey through the desert of this life. He desires that you dwell with Him through prayer and remain attentive to His Word. When we come to know, love, and follow Jesus, he reveals the Father to us.
As you gaze upon our Lord today when Fr. Tim elevates Him, truly present in the Blessed Sacrament, reflect upon how clearly you hear Him speak to you. Do you hear Him, believe in Him, follow Him and serve Him as He is calling you to do? Do you allow Him to lead you every day toward His promise of new life?
As we journey through life, allow our Lord to pitch His tent next to yours so that you will daily be attentive to His teaching and allow Him to lead you to your heavenly homeland. He is always with us, we just need ask Him to give us ears to hear Him speaking to us through the various circumstances of our lives.
God bless you.