Lenten Reflection Day 32 ~ Thursday of Passion Week

Opening Prayers:

Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be, and Confiteor (see Day 1).

Scripture Reading (John 7:40–53):

“Some of the people… said: ‘This is indeed the Prophet.’ Others said: ‘This is the Christ.’ But some said: ‘Does the Christ come out of Galilee?’… So there arose a dissension among the people… The chief priests and Pharisees said to them: ‘Have any of the rulers believed in Him?’… Nicodemus said to them… ‘Does our law judge any man, unless it first hear him, and know what he does?’”

Reflection:

Confusion, division, pride, and fear: these swirl around Jesus in today’s Gospel. Some people recognize Him as the Christ, others resist. The Pharisees, proud and blind, dismiss Him based on where He’s from, not what He teaches. Their pride clouds their discernment.

But amid the tension, Nicodemus speaks up, quietly but courageously. He doesn’t fully declare Jesus as Lord, but he defends justice: “Does our law judge without hearing?” It is a small act, yet in a moment of rising hostility, it matters.

Many of us find ourselves in environments where Christ is doubted or dismissed. Today’s meditation invites us to consider how we respond in those situations: Do we remain silent? Speak harshly? Or like Nicodemus, speak with courage and reason, preparing the way for deeper belief?

By the end of John’s Gospel, Nicodemus has grown: he comes with Joseph of Arimathea to bury Jesus. That quiet courage today may prepare us for greater fidelity tomorrow. Lent is the season to develop that courage.

If an opportunity arises today to defend your faith, especially in conversation or by example, embrace it with prudence and confidence. If not, pray for the courage to do so when it comes.

Saintly Insight:

St. Thomas More, like Nicodemus, was a man of conscience. Before his martyrdom under Henry VIII, he wrote, “I am the king’s good servant—but God’s first.”

His quiet, principled courage shone in the darkest of hours. Let us ask his intercession for fidelity in the face of subtle or open pressure.

Closing Prayers:

V: O Lord, hear my prayer.

R: And let my cry come unto Thee.

V: Let us bless the Lord.

R: Thanks be to God.

V: May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.

R: Amen.