“Today’s reading from the Book of Wisdom gives us a very real and uncomfortable truth. We hear the words of the wicked: “Let us beset the just one… he is obnoxious to us.”
Why is the just person hated?
Not because he is doing evil—but because he is doing what is good.
There is something about goodness that disturbs those who are not ready to change.
A person who lives honestly reminds others of dishonesty.
A person who forgives exposes resentment.
A person who chooses what is right becomes a silent challenge to those who choose what is easy.
And so the wicked say: “Let us test him… let us see if God will defend him.”
This is not only about people long ago. This is about Jesus. And this is about us.
Lent is the time when we try to become better—more prayerful,
more honest, more disciplined, more loving.
But let us be honest: the moment we try to change, we also experience resistance.
Sometimes that resistance comes from outside—people who misunderstand us, criticize us, or discourage us.
But very often, that resistance comes from within. Our old habits…our pride…our comfort zones…
They whisper: “Don’t change.” “Don’t take this too seriously.”
“Go back to your old ways.”
So the real battle of Lent is not only external—it is internal. It is the struggle between the person we are and the person God is calling us to become.
And that struggle can be painful.
To forgive when it is hard…
To be honest when it costs us…
To pray when we feel dry…
To let go of something we are attached to…
That is our Lenten cross.
But here is the good news. The reading tells us: “Their wickedness blinded them.”
Evil does not see clearly. Sin confuses. Pride blinds.
But those who trust in God—even in difficulty—walk in the light.
My dear brothers and sisters, Jesus Himself lived this reading.
He is the Just One. He was rejected, mocked, and tested.
People said: “If you are the Son of God, prove it.” They challenged Him. They doubted Him. They condemned Him.
And during Lent, we are walking with Him toward the Cross.
So what is the invitation for us this Lent?
Let me offer three simple reflections:
First, do not be afraid to be good. In a world that sometimes laughs at honesty, kindness, and faith—choose goodness anyway.
Second, persevere in your Lenten commitments. Even when it is difficult… even when you feel nothing… even when you are tempted to give up—continue. Because growth happens not when it is easy, but when it is hard.
Third, trust God quietly. You may not see immediate results. You may not be appreciated. But God sees your sacrifices. God sees your efforts.
God sees your heart.
My dear brothers and sisters, Lent is not about becoming perfect overnight. It is about choosing God—again and again—even in struggle.
So when you feel resistance, when you feel discouraged…
when doing good becomes difficult…Do not give up.
Because that may be the very moment when God is most at work in you.
As we continue this journey toward Holy Week, let us stay close to Jesus, the Just One.
Let us walk with Him, learn from Him, and trust like Him.
And in the end, what seemed like defeat on the Cross will become victory in the Resurrection.”