Today's Gospel reveals three main types of characters: Jews, Pharisees and Sadducees.

Pharisees were interested in obedience to the Law while the Sadducees were afraid to lose their wealth and position. They also feared the brutal power of the Roman authroities.

The Jews who saw Jesus' compassion and love in his teachings and miracles, yet there is no true faith that some of them went to tell Pharisees what Jesus did.

So, Caiaphas, the high priest prophesied: "....it is better for one man to die than the whole nation be destroyed." At that time, the Jews believed that the high priest was to channel God's word to the leader and country. As a consequence, Jesus' movements were curtailed.

The Israelites had forgotten the past - how God was with them in the long journey to the Promised land. The first reading in Ez 37:21-28 reminds us of how God watched over them and established an eternal covenant with them and us today.

It is so consoling and reassuring when we meditate on: "... I will be their God, and they shall be my people." (Ez 37:27). It is as God is speaking to us today.

As we prepare for the coming Holy Week, let us make conscious efforts to be present to the journey Jesus made to Calvary and be united with all who are suffering throughout the world today.