April 9.  ‘It is expedient that one man should die for the people.” Bernadette asked, “The Jews were really worried about the Romans, their oppressors. Did they see Jesus as causing trouble that would make the Romans oppress them even more?   We’ve had a gutful of politics  and even war recently, but I don’t believe we  ever get the whole picture. Different TV or radio or newspapers and social media paint different pictures of the same events. Governments are known to conspire to unjustly even do away with someone who is a trouble-maker for them.  In organisations and even within our families we don’t all see things in the same way or who decides what is the right way.”

Reflect, share and act. Scripture:   It is expedient for you that one man should die for the people and that the whole nation should not perish.  John 11:50. Pope Francis:    The Church today is a church of martyrs.  They give their lives for us and we receive from God the blessing of their witness.  Like Stephen who antagonised the Jews they gave their lives.  We must regain the conviction that we need one another, that we have a shared responsibility for others and the world and that good and decency are worth it. LS229. SA Youth Responsibilities Bill 8: We dedicate ourselves to peaceful co-existence which requires justice. The healing of past prejudices and divisions is required to ensure the promotion of democratic values, social justice and fundamental human rights for all.   Choose an act of love and sacrifice from the list published at www.marfam.org.za/lent