who do YOU choose?

 Daily inspiration: They chose Barrabbas.

When watching the Passion narrative, no matter which one, this is an important scene. The Jews, who had just welcomed Jesus into Jerusalem only five days before, now were made to believe-by the Pharisees-that He was some revolutionary who would destroy Jerusalem. Based on that, it was Pilate who called upon the crowd, which would it be? to free Barrabbas, or based on the chants from them all, to "crucify Jesus!" Barrabbas was a prisoner known for sedition and murder, highlighting the crowd's preference for a violent figure over Jesus's message of peace and humility.

There was God standing right there and they chose to kill Him.

In today's world, we also have choices to make. It can be hard to make the right choice when so many are screaming otherwise. We all have this "sheeple" mentality and where one goes, the rest will follow. Jesus even said He was the Good Shepherd, that His sheep knew Him and His Voice...and yet...there are also always those who will be that one of 100 who goes astray, sometimes calling for the other 99 to follow. Yes, satan is also a shepherd, an evil one whose plans seem so seductive and many are following him instead.

We choose Barrabbas, I don't care who you are, there will come a time when you will also "follow the crowd." Whether through an innocent blunder or a malicious intent, you will choose Barrabbas.

Doubt it?

You know how at work or in a family gathering, someone has to be "the bully" and single out another?...who stands up for them and says, "that's false! I can't let you do that!"? Or, do you go along with it, "I can't SAY anything, then they'll all turn on ME!"

I have heard this so often and thus, innocent people get hurt.

Or, you see someone drop a twenty dollar bill ahead of you at the store and you don't say anything; they leave, you then scoop up what you see as free money.

You just chose Barrabbas.

You know a friend is cheating on their spouse, yet you remain quiet. "I don't have a dog in the fight, why should I say anything?" You chose Barrabbas.

I could go on, but you see my point.

When Jesus was nailed to the Cross, only three of His many followers were there: Mary, John and Mary Magdalene. Where were the rest? "If they see me, they may kill me!" so they hid.

How many hills have you stood on, prepared to die?

If you don't speak out, who will?

Don't choose Barrabbas just because it's a "safer decision." Choose Jesus. Stand up for Jesus.

Yes...die for Him, too, if that is what may happen...and it does, all over the world...they can kill your body, but they can't touch your soul...and your soul is what will stand before God.

Will it be, "well done, my good and faithful servant!"?

Or...

Will it be, "get away from Me, for I hardly knew you!"

Things to ponder in this middle part of Lent.

Have a blessed day amen