Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, the Lord give you peace. My apologies for the past few days of audio-less homilies due to internet outages, but we are now back to normal, glory be to God. As we reunite to reflect on the powerful readings chosen for this Friday, wherein we see Jesus and the Apostles heading into Jerusalem for the Jewish Feast of Tabernacles. This feast, also known as Sukkot, is a time of joy and remembrance; it commemorates the Israelites' forty years of wandering in the desert, during which they lived in temporary shelters. It is a festival that celebrates God's provision and presence, as well as the call to dwell with Him.
In our first reading from the Book of Wisdom, we hear the thoughts of the wicked as they conspire against the “just one” - Jesus. This passage illuminates the contrast between the righteousness of God and the moral blindness of those who oppose Him. The just man, who embodies fidelity to God's law, becomes an object of disdain and persecution. This passage foreshadows the injustice that Jesus Himself would face—His righteousness posing a direct threat to the status quo of the authorities and the complacent.
As we transition to the psalm, we find reassurance that "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted." This truth is especially poignant for us today, as we think of those who are marginalized, despairing, or oppressed. God does not abandon us in our suffering; rather, He draws near, ready to rescue and redeem. It is this profound closeness of God to His faithful ones that makes our own presence to them worthwhile, even amidst trials and threats.
In the Gospel of John, we see Jesus, who is fully aware of the danger that surrounds him, choosing to attend the Feast of Tabernacles nonetheless. His going up to the feast is significant; it reflects His commitment to fulfilling the law while emphasizing the need for communal celebration and connection with God. Jesus does not hide from the realities of the Gospel message nor does He shy away from confronting the authorities' schemes. His appearance at the feast serves a dual purpose: to uphold the Jewish custom and to proclaim the truth of God's nature—in doing so; He reveals His identity and relationship with the Father. As God, however, he is also honouring the efforts and fidelity of those who attend the feast to “meet God” and so God goes out to meet them.
The Feast of Tabernacles is also a time of water drawing, symbolizing God's provision of water in the desert, and anticipating the coming of the Holy Spirit. During this feast, many would come to the Temple, and the cries of the faithful would reach toward heaven for renewal. It is in this atmosphere of expectancy that Jesus boldly proclaims His divine mission: He is the source of living water, leading not only to physical sustenance but also to spiritual fulfillment.
Jesus’ insistence on attending this festival, despite the threats to His life, shows His perfect timeline. The authorities' failure to arrest Him is a clear indication that His ministry is governed by divine purpose; they cannot touch Him until His hour has come.
The Feast of Tabernacles reminds us of the continuing longing for divine presence within the community of faith. It evokes memories of God dwelling among His people, a theme fully realized in Jesus. In Him – Emmanuel – God tabernacles among us; with His presence, we experience a foretaste of the eternal banquet.
In our lives today, let us strive to be those who dwell in faith, proclaiming the message of our Lord as we await His coming again in all His glory. Amen.
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