The sentiments described in our reading from the book of Wisdom animated some of the opponents of Jesus, at least those for whom His words and behaviour were a challenge to their ways and to what they professed. Those sentiments are quoted in the accounts of Jesus' passion and death. Yes, people can get so carried away by anger or resentment at having their faults and failings made apparent to them that they can go as far as torture and murder, yet still think they are being reasonable and righteous. Revenge for even imagined criticism is a powerful and dangerous emotion, that breaks out into horrible injustices from time to time in our world's history, and sometimes in personal relationships too.

During these coming days of Lent and Holy Week when we think and pray about Jesus' passion, let's reflect also on His continuing passion in our world of today. Evil and good still struggle together, even though He has overcome the power of evil. I am involved and caught up in that struggle, trying to follow God's commands, and being influenced by other people and influencing others in turn. Trying to live a godly life attracts opposition and hatred, and I myself need to guard against becoming judgmental or hypocritical. To be a Christian has always meant sharing Christ's suffering in some way or other. Today perhaps it's in accepting with Him the irrational dislike, opposition, even hatred of my Christian faith and practices that many people display. May I also imitate Him in not answering back to taunts and accusations, but pray with Him in His passion: