33rd Week in Ordinary Time (B) : Friday, 22nd November 2024

In the Gospel, when the leadership of the religious and civil authority alike tries to do away with Jesus, they cannot, because the general populace hangs onto His word. They find Him so engaging and His words so full of justified meaning that they will not go against Jesus, to them a prophet has spoken. The Temple is indeed a house of prayer, not a den for exploiters!

Like the first reading, as for John in eating the scroll, so the words of Jesus taste sweet as honey in the mouth of the people. However, for John, the sweet taste does not last long, because the scroll turns sour as it enters his stomach. The word of God is sweet to the mouth, but will be difficult to swallow and to carry out. It is because the mission of prophetic proclamation will not be easily accepted by people as with the people during the time of Jesus. There comes a time when even the followers of Jesus are rejected, tortured and killed.

Then with the psalmist today, God also assures us that His promise is sweet to our taste. Doing God’s Will comes with joy; the law from God’s mouth means more to us than silver and gold.

Therefore, we are challenged to persevere in our living and proclamation of the good news of Jesus Christ. Sweet and sour can go together.

Lord, may I witness that Your promise is sweet to my taste and Your work is fulfilling to my face!