It is 28th March 2020. The readings are from Jeremiah 11:18-20; and the Gospel from John 7:40-53. Life seems to be unfair at times when we see the innocent are sacrificed, judged deceitfully, and eventually murdered. The silence becomes the only answer for the innocent most of the times. When the friends, relatives, family, systems and institution stand against the innocent and blameless, God alone stand in deep silence and accompanies the one who has placed all trusts and hope in God. Most of us still live in fear, uncertainty all around the world. “Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no evil; for you are with me; your rod and your staff—they comfort me.” (Ps.23:4). The sensitivity that is shown to people and the creation around at this time is the sanctity and dignity we uphold and enshrine in our being. In the first reading the prophet Jeremiah presents the case of an innocent person without knowing being led to the slaughter house like a lamb. Facing death and sickness without God is much more difficult than to accept and surrender in faith and hope. When we are faced with our own death or the significant one, it is the time to obtain the help of God to face the most painful moments of our life. Peace and consolation are offered only by God who is the giver of life. “I had been like a gentle lamb led to the slaughter; I did not realize that they had plotted against me, saying, “Let us destroy the tree with its fruit, let us cut him off from the land of the living, so that his name will no longer be remembered! For to you I have committed my cause.” (Jer.11:19,20). The responsorial Psalm places trusts in God, “Lord, my God, I take shelter in you.” (Ps.7:1). The Gospel presents us with the debate on who Jesus is? Are we rushing and passing judgements because we have no proper answers to the issues we face? Are we condemning people because of our prejudices? Anyone suffering, and condemned unjustly is the personification of Jesus. Our personal experience and encounter with Jesus are substantiated and cemented by the Scripture and the Sacraments. Having encountered Jesus we cannot remain speaking and taking a side for the Lord like that of Nicodemus. Are we open enough to embrace the suffering persons as the visible and tangible image and likeness of the Lord? Unless we deal with our selfishness and sinfulness, it would be impossible to feel for the sick, the dying and the grieving. “The stone which the builders rejected has become the head of the corner.” (Ps.118:22). May God bless you.