The Gospel today from John (7:40-52) sees the people, chief priests, police and Pharisees debating over who Jesus really is.

Fr Paul, in this reflection, talks about the reluctance of those in authority to let go of the hostility towards Jesus because he does not live up to their expectations of what the ‘Messiah’ should be. Jesus was not a ‘glorious warrior’ instead, he came as a servant, suffering for all.

Mindful of our current struggles, Fr Paul invites us to reflect and pray about the times when we have not been prepared to change our hostile feelings towards others. He asks us think about how we can be of service to others at this time.

We pray for our police force, emergency workers and first responders, our doctors and nurses, and all those at the coalface of dealing with the Coronavirus, for their safety and for their families.