How quick we are to judge? How easily do we participate in gossip and rumour? Do we care about the truth? Here’s today’s reflection from Mass.
BIBLE READINGS: The readings for Saturday of the Fourth Week of Lent, can be found here
“There is only one thing in the world worse than being talked about, and that is not being talked about,” wrote Oscar Wilde in his novel, The Picture of Dorian Gray published in 1890.
PT Barnum, the American showman, took this further, when he infamously said, “All publicity is good publicity,” although perhaps celebrities are discovering how difficult it is sometimes to manipulate every piece of publicity to their own advantage, leading instead to the downfall of some, as we live in a society where people are so easily “cancelled.”
In today’s gospel reading, rumours are circulating about Jesus and everyone seems to have an opinion about him. On this occasion, it is his words which impress and astound his listeners. “We have never heard anyone speak like this,” some say. His words though have angered some, who believe they have every cause to bring him in and question him. Nicodemus speaks sense into the situation. He asks, “Does our law judge a man without first giving him a hearing and learning what he does?” Jesus has certainly caused a stir.
Today, we often witness “trial by media” or “trial by social media” when someone’s misdemeanour is prematurely judged, and they are found guilty by rumour and speculation. How do we respond to such things? Are we quick to make a judgement? Do we speculate without any evidence? The mainstream media is often called to take more responsibility, and over the years, laws have changed to support this. Likewise, each of us must also live responsibly, watching our words and sometimes bridling our tongue.
Meanwhile, there is one message we can keep alive, as we pass on the good news of Jesus, not only with our words but by how we live.
Mass today is at S Mary’s Church at 1130am
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