During Lent the two readings for the day are chosen to complement each other. On this last day before Holy Week you have to work to find how the readings fit. The Old Testament lesson from the Prophet Ezekiel is promised triumph. “They shall live on the land that I gave to my servant Jacob, …with my servant David their prince forever.” On the other hand the Gospel of John has Caiaphas speak of impending doom. “it is better for you that one man should die for the people.” Deeper reflection on these two passages reminds us that Jesus willing walked the path of suffering and death since it demonstrated his caring for “all the dispersed children of God ” — which is the true triumph.
