April 2, Saturday of the Fourth Week of Lent
Daily Readings: Reading I Jeremiah 11:18-20, Gospel John 7:40-53
Before the advent of social media, there was a popular phrase: "trial by publicity." A well-known person is charged with a crime, and his story is all over TV, radio, and newspapers. But even before the jury can give out its verdict, that famous figure is already guilty in the eyes of the public.
In the age of social media, one can be updated at any time with the latest story on a controversial crime or court drama, whether the information is from a legitimate source or not. Everyone can comment, curse, or share their opinion about the case. Netizens engage in heavy debates in the comments section to defend their beliefs or thoughts. This was also the case with the crowd, divided on whether they believed in Jesus as the Christ. The Pharisees, however, were already blinded with hate for Jesus and refused to listen to him.
Jesus caused a controversy among the people with his origins and his "status" as a Messiah. Some believed him (we can consider them his followers), and some tried to discredit him (we can call them his haters). But among his haters, the Sanhedrin, there was one person who spoke in his defense. Nicodemus questioned the actions of his own.
A small group of "Nicodemuses" will ask a question on social media that is meant to make us stop and think: have we truly listened? Have we truly made an effort to discover the truth? Have we passed judgment on something or someone before hearing all sides of the story?
We often make snap judgments about something or someone based on what we see or read online. But, before we choose sides or become lost in the crowd, let us take a moment to reflect. Is it possible for us to be Nicodemus to others? Can we remain neutral and question others' actions, even when it appears to be easier to judge them? A person accused of a crime is presumed innocent unless proven guilty under the law.
In John 15:12, Jesus taught his disciples to love one another as he loves us. Another expression of love for others is listening and taking a second look at a scenario. Shouldn't we take a step back and look at a story from all angles for a moment? If the person in the story is guilty, shouldn't we take his experience as a lesson for ourselves and pray that it doesn't happen to anyone else? Let us not be pessimists. Let us not follow in the footsteps of the Pharisees, who refused to listen.
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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