In today’s homily, Jesus, despite His teachings on compassion and forgiveness, and His many works of healing and reconciliation, becomes a polarizing figure among the Jews. “He is used to justify conflicting agendas and expectations,” says Father Jerry, “He is invoked to justify narrow positions and perspectives.”

“Not much has changed in our own time,” Father adds, “With so many self-proclaimed experts and their supporters, claiming that they speak the truth, that God is on ‘their side’ and that those who disagree with them are, well, ‘not of God.'”

Hear the full message in today’s video above.