Go With the Flow or Swim Against the Tide?

April 1, Friday of the Fourth Week of Lent
Daily Readings: Reading I Wisdom 2:1a, 12-22, Gospel John 7:1-2, 10, 25-30

Most people would instead go with the flow because they think doing the right thing is more complicated. It keeps them out of trouble, makes them feel they belong, or are too lazy to discern what is happening around them. Once they stand for what they think is right and good, they will get in trouble with the majority. They will be the talk of the town, ostracized or bullied.

Psalm 4:19, "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted." We tend to forget this when we feel that doing the right thing will do more harm than good. We are afraid to do what is right because we always think others will think of us. We feel brokenhearted because our friends or family have broken their ties because of political differences or fellow church workers' gossip about us. This passage should remind us that God will always be there for us when the going gets strict in doing what is right. We have to speak out because of injustice and call for fairness, even when people say that the person deserves it.

In the Gospel reading, Jesus said, "Yet I did not come on my own." Jesus is fully aware that he is already a wanted man by the authorities, and yet he bravely went to the temple because he knew that the Father was with him. Why should we cower in fear when we fully understand that we are not doing anything against God?

Instead of being afraid, maybe we should also be inspired by those who "go against the flow." During the pandemic, while other people hoarded food and supplies for themselves, some people went out on the streets to give away food, alcohol, and face masks. Despite being branded as communist propaganda, one community pantry sparked the inspiration for other people to help those who were hungry. Despite her age and the present danger, a nun from Myanmar knelt in front of the military and police to stop them from going after a group of protesters.

We hope that Jesus gives us the courage to be brave in a society where people conform to be safe. Because even if we aren't directly doing anything wrong, we can still cause more harm.