Jesus moved about within Galilee; he did not wish to travel in Judea because the Jews were trying to kill him.
It is just over a week to the beginning of Holy Week, with its remembrance of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection. The readings are beginning to have a more ominous tone. Today’s gospel speaks of Jesus’ enemies who are out to kill him. Others who are not hostile to him claim to know him when they do not really know him. They say, “We all know where he comes from.” However, Jesus reminds them they do not know where he comes from because he doesn’t just come from Nazareth. He comes from God, and those who claim to know where he comes from are unaware of that. There is much more to learn about Jesus than they realize.
It is the same for all of us. There is always more to Jesus than we realize. When it comes to the Lord, we are always seekers. There is always so much more to Jesus that we do not know than we do know. Saint Paul prayed that we would “know the love of Christ that surpasses human knowledge.” Jesus’ love cannot be fully grasped by the human heart or mind.
Regarding the Lord, we are always on the way to knowing him. Saint Paul was very aware of this. In his first letter to the Corinthians, he said, “Now I know only in part; then I will know fully, even as I have been fully known.” Only in eternity will we know the Lord fully. Meanwhile, we continue to ask the Holy Spirit to help us come to know the Lord ever more fully, not just with our heads but with our hearts.
Let Us Pray:
O Lord, please give me a burning desire to know you more fully day by day. Grant me the love to work each day to deepen my knowledge so I may give myself more entirely to you.
