“Many of the Jews who had come to Mary and seen what Jesus had done began to believe in him. But some of them went to the Pharisees and told them what Jesus had done. So the chief priests and the Pharisees convened the Sanhedrin and said, ‘What are we going to do? This man is performing many signs. If we leave him alone, all will believe in him, and the Romans will come and take away both our land and our nation.’ But one of them, Caiaphas, who was the high priest that year, said to them, ‘You know nothing, nor do you consider that is better for you that one man should die instead of the people, so that the whole nation may not perish.’ He did not say this on his own, but since he was high priest for that year, he prophesied that Jesus was going to die for the nation, and not only for the nation, but also to gather into one the dispersed children of God. So from that day on they planned to kill him.”—John 11: 45-53
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This is the Gospel for today, Saturday of Lent’s fifth week. I think on this and present world and the philosophies—nor religions—that we preach. One in particular comes to mind—Utilitarianism.
It is always preached as the greatest good at cost of the smallest and least. Never mentioned, never outright acknowledged, is that greatest good is always to the betterment and preservation of those who preach and design structure of the system at cost of those who social and political threats. Never does a power in place cede willingly in good faith to the will and positions of an adversary. Nearest to this was Pompey in Rome, and for his good will and faith in others—he was murdered and empire collapsed at the hands of a disinterested junior senator who—granted an army—marched on Rome in rid of republican rule for replace of crown that took his name.
Why do the societal preachers of utilitarianism always voice that best for most is always another’s sacrifice in advancement and alignment with the proclaimer’s own personal interests? True utilitarianism does not demand of another. True utilitarianism gives—without coercion and of its own free will—in sacrifice of itself. True utilitarianism is Jesus in Gethsemane, knowing what is to come, praying and wishing any other way—having the ability to escape the fate and feat he knows he must perform—and accepting, still, what he knows that he must do. Smaller scales, utilitarianism is the daily, little sacrifices of parents for their children. True utilitarianism is God-love lived where we consciously decide to make ourselves small so that another, or many, may increase: “He must increase, but I must decrease” as John the Baptist spoke, discerning the greater picture and work beyond what we ourselves, in living for self, can achieve.
To demand sacrifice of another, at their own personal cost to the demander’s own improvement of place, position, and power—this is not utilitarianism, it is exploitation and abuse. Reject their designs. Give no heed to their pleas.
What more, of this quote, can we apply in our day? John writes that Caiaphas did not speak on his own but as prophecy for Christ’s achievement. Do I believe this? Yes. Do I believe Caiaphas knew he was speaking prophecy? No. Caiaphas’ words and intention were strictly self-serving, preservation of his own power and place amongst the political and religious structure of Jerusalem then. What happened in his selfish interest, utilitarian murder of an innocent so that the nation—the power of the chief priests and Pharisees—might remain?
Veil of the Temple was rent—omen of to come.
Their power didn’t last—it never does. Power held for generation more. Then every Jews was displaced from Israel by Rome. Worldly power and place did not endure, and with their people’s scatter—so too became their power.
And of the sacrificed and murdered Innocent, what became of Him? History proves His power and effect, though world and human souls are in eternal ebb and flow of faith and following. I believe in our present time, the tides are turning back and rising from a low (or maybe it’s just me).
Utilitarianism as preached and practiced by secular powers whose religion is their self will forever make sacrifice of others in honor and empower of their idol. They further their religion, as all do—even, and especially, when such religion is a prideful, pronounced “none.” Without the base of God-Love for beginning, man will never understand and much less practice, what it is utilitarians believe they preach. Without the base of God-Love for beginning, utilitarianism is but another guise of evil masked as good, pridefulness’ non-understanding.
True utilitarianism is Christ-like, which is the last comparison secular preachers would wish to claim.
If one truly believes in utilitarian principles—without coercion and of one’s own will—live sacrifices of one’s own self for the improvement and better of others. Make no demand or coercion upon another. Any different is deliberate deceit.