Reflection Date: March 28, 2026 | Saturday of the Fifth Week of Lent
Daily Readings: Ezekiel 37:21-28; John 11:45-56
Children of God:
In November 1970, a dramatic moment happened in Manila during the visit of Pope Paul VI.
A Bolivian man named Benjamin Mendoza disguised himself as a priest.
As the Pope greeted people at the Manila International Airport, the man suddenly lunged at him with a dagger.
The attack shocked everyone present.
The Pope suffered minor injuries, but security and aides quickly intervened.
The Pope recovered and continued his pastoral visit despite the frightening incident.
Many people wondered why someone would attempt to harm a spiritual leader known for peace.
The event reminded the world that even religious leaders sometimes faced hostility.
Yet the Pope responded with calm and forgiveness.
His reaction became a powerful witness of faith and courage.
In the gospel story of John, a similar tension appeared after Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead.
Many people believed in him because they witnessed the miracle.
But others went to the Pharisees and reported what Jesus did.
The religious leaders gathered in council and began to worry about the growing influence of Jesus.
They feared that if many people followed him, it could create political trouble with the Roman authorities.
Caiaphas, the high priest that year, spoke and said, “It is better for you that one man should die instead of the people, so that the whole nation may not perish.”
From that day on, they planned to kill Jesus.
What are our inspirations for today?
First, Goodness sometimes threatens those who fear change.
Jesus performed a powerful sign when he raised Lazarus.
Many people saw it and believed.
But instead of celebrating, some leaders felt threatened.
They worried about losing control and about possible political consequences.
Their fear prevented them from recognizing the goodness of what Jesus did.
Even today, truth and goodness sometimes disturbed people who preferred the comfort of the familiar.
When change challenged power or pride, resistance often followed.
Second, God can bring hope even in moments of opposition.
Caiaphas spoke about the death of one man for the sake of the people.
He said it as a political calculation, but the gospel revealed a deeper meaning.
His words unknowingly pointed to the mission of Jesus.
Jesus would indeed die, but his death would bring salvation to many.
The gospel explained that he would gather the scattered children of God into one.
This reminds us that even when opposition rises, God’s plan continues to unfold.
What seems like defeat can become the beginning of redemption.
As we reflect today, we ask ourselves: When I encounter truth that challenges me, do I react with fear or openness? Do I recognize God’s work even when it appears in unexpected ways? How can I respond with courage when faith asks me to stand for what is good and true?
Children of God:
Neither fear nor violence stopped the mission of God.
Jesus continued to walk the path that led to the salvation of the world.
His courage invites us to trust in God’s plan even when challenges arise.
Faith often grows stronger when it is tested.
The example of Christ encourages us to remain steady in goodness.
When we follow the truth, we may encounter resistance.
But we also discover the deeper strength that comes from God.
Radio Veritas Asia (RVA), a media platform of the Catholic Church, aims to share Christ. RVA started in 1969 as a continental Catholic radio station to serve Asian countries in their respective local language, thus earning the tag “the Voice of Asian Christianity.” Responding to the emerging context, RVA embraced media platforms to connect with the global Asian audience via its 21 language websites and various social media platforms.
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