The chief priests plotted to kill Lazarus too,
because many of the Jews were turning away
and believing in Jesus because of him. (Jn 12:10-11)
Collateral damage is damage to things that are incidental to the intended target. Frequently used as a military term, it often refers to destruction of civilian property and civilian casualties.
In today’s Gospel, we see a little collateral damage taking place.
The chief priests were furious with the Lord. He had been getting a larger following each day. Their fury was fed by their fear that the Romans would soon act to suppress Jesus and, with him, the Jewish population. Their fear caused them to do the unthinkable: to plot the death of Jesus.
However, if they were to rid themselves of Jesus, they figured, they would also have to rid themselves of the proofs that Jesus, indeed, performed wondrous works.
The raising of Lazarus from the dead was certainly one of those wondrous works.
If they got rid of Jesus but allowed Lazarus to remain, Lazarus could provide a reason for people to believe.
Therefore, Lazarus, they reasoned, would have to die as well.
Do you see how the enemies of the Lord work? They do everything that they can to eradicate witnesses of the Lord.
If you and I do our “job” in this world — if we are faithful to the Lord and proclaim His mighty deeds and His love — we are going to be considered threats and the world will want to rid itself of us as well.
That is a reality.
However, Holy Week fills us with hope, not with fear.
Let the world do what it wants.
Remain faithful to the Lord and you need never worry.
FAITH ACTION: Opposition to the faith is total. Hold firm and be unafraid. God is with you this day.