Day Thirty-Four: God Draws Good from Evil
Saturday, Fifth Week of Lent

Scripture Passage:
“Jesus would die for the nation and not for this nation only, but to gather into one all the dispersed children of God.” – John 11:51–52

Opening Reflection:
As Jesus’ public ministry unfolded, it evoked a variety of responses—faith from the humble and fear from the powerful. The leaders of the time, threatened by the transformation Jesus was bringing, chose to protect their status rather than seek the truth. Still, in the mystery of divine love, God permitted even their rejection to be used for the fulfillment of His saving plan. In Christ’s rejection, death, and Resurrection, the dispersed children of God were drawn into one family. In every moment of history, God continues to gather His people—even through adversity.

Meditative Reflection:
The Sanhedrin’s plot against Jesus reveals how easily the human heart can cling to power, comfort, or fear rather than surrender to God’s will. Caiaphas’ words—”It is better for one man to die than for the whole nation to perish”—though spoken from a worldly mindset, became a prophetic declaration of God’s redemptive plan. Jesus died not only for the Jewish nation but for all of humanity, that we might be united in His love.

This truth challenges us: Are we willing to let go of our attachments, comforts, and even our suffering to be part of God’s greater plan? Saint Catherine of Siena once wrote that God is a fire that consumes all selfish love and illuminates the soul with truth. When we allow this fire to refine us, we become instruments of unity and love in a world torn by division. Even when surrounded by sin or injustice, God invites us to believe that He can bring good from it all.

Reflection Questions:
Am I more focused on protecting my comfort or status than following Christ? Do I trust that God can draw good out of even the darkest situations in my life? How can I open myself today to be part of God’s plan to gather His children in love?

Lenten Question:
Q: Why do we fast and abstain during Lent?
A: Because Jesus calls us to die to ourselves in order to bear fruit. Fasting, abstaining, and penance help us crucify the desires of the flesh and walk more closely in the Spirit. It is through self-denial that we learn true freedom and grow in our discipleship.

Lenten Action:
Count your blessings in a prayerful way today. Acknowledge God’s goodness and providence, even in the trials you’ve faced, and offer thanks for how He continues to work all things for good.

Concluding Prayer:
Lord God, You bring light out of darkness and life out of death. Help me to surrender my fears and selfish desires to Your divine plan. Teach me to trust that even what seems broken or lost can be used by You for great good. May I never resist Your will out of fear, but embrace it in love, knowing You are always working to gather Your children into one. Amen.

Resources for Lenten Prayers and Reflections:

Daily Saints and Reflections | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/

Lenten Reflections | EWTN | https://www.ewtn.com/catholicism/reflections/lent

Lenten Prayers and Daily Reflections | My Catholic Life | https://mycatholic.life/lent-prayers-reflections/