Walking in Truth:
Jesus at the Feast of Tabernacles
Jesus at the Feast of Tabernacles
In today's Gospel, John 7:1-2, 10, 25-30, we see Jesus navigating a perilous moment in His ministry. The Jewish leaders were seeking to kill Him, yet He still went to Jerusalem for the Feast of Tabernacles, though initially in secret. When He began teaching openly in the temple, the people were amazed and questioned whether He could truly be the Christ.
Jesus's response is powerful and direct: "Yes, you know me, and you know where I am from. But I have not come on my own. The one who sent me is true, and you do not know him. I know him because I am from him, and he sent me."
These words spoken by Jesus reveal several profound truths about His mission:
First, we witness Christ's extraordinary courage. Despite knowing the authorities sought to kill Him, He still went to Jerusalem and taught openly. His commitment to proclaiming the truth transcended concern for His own safety. This wasn't recklessness but rather steadfast obedience to the Father's timing and purpose.
As we fast today, we might reflect on our own courage in living out our faith. Where have we remained silent when truth needed to be spoken? Where have we chosen comfort over conviction? Jesus shows us that authentic faith sometimes requires us to stand firm even when facing opposition.
Second, we see the people's confusion about Jesus's identity. Some recognized His wisdom but were puzzled by His origin. They knew Him as a carpenter's son from Nazareth, yet He spoke with divine authority. This tension remains with us today—do we truly recognize who Jesus is in our lives? Do we acknowledge Him merely as a wise teacher or as Lord and Savior?
The invitation to spend time in Adoration before the Eucharist is significant in this context. In the sacred silence before Christ truly present, we have the opportunity to move beyond our questions and confusions. Just as the crowds in Jerusalem had Jesus physically present yet struggled to recognize Him, we, too, can gaze upon the Eucharistic Lord and deepen our understanding of His true identity.
This scripture also reminds us that Jesus came with divine authority: "The one who sent me is true." His words and actions weren't self-originated but came from the Father. When we place ourselves before the Eucharist, we participate in this same divine communion, recognizing that Jesus continues to make the Father known to us.
As we fast and pray today, let us embrace the courage to follow Jesus Christ more faithfully, even when it's difficult. Let us spend time in silent prayer before the Eucharist, allowing our questions and doubts to be transformed into deeper faith. And may we, like Jesus, remain steadfastly committed to God's truth and timing in our lives.
©2025 James Dacey Jr.
