Saturday of the 4th week of Lent

Jeremiah 11: 18-20      John 7: 40-53

Theme: The challenge of the righteous

In the 1st reading of today, from the prophet Jeremiah, we are presented with the challenging situation the prophet found himself. The plot against him by the people, was simply out of jealousy and the fact that they cannot stand the truth about themselves coming from the prophet Jeremiah. The interesting thing about this 1st reading is the fact that the prophet did not wrong the people, they were just uncomfortable with his lifestyle and teachings. This situation the prophet Jeremiah found himself, should be a source of great strength to all of us as children of God and Christians in our own time. He did not suffer persecutions because of his wrongdoing, it was rather because the people were not willing to stand the truth about themselves and do what is good and right in the sight of God.

Dear friends in Christ, there will be moments in our lives when we may pass through a similar situation, we must draw strength from today’s 1st reading, knowing fully well that we are not alone on this, God is with us. It is also important that at such moments we commit everything to God, just like the prophet did. Just know that God will never disappoint you at such a time, he will come through for you, just like he did for the prophet Jeremiah. Also, we must be mindful of the fact that the challenges of life do not come only to those who have sinned or offended God in one way or the other. The fact that you have decided to do what is good and right in the sight of God, can attract challenges to you, just like in the case of the prophet Jeremiah. However, don’t be discouraged and never allow such a situation to make you go against the choice you have made for God. Remain steadfast and continue to do what is good and right in the sight of God. Your refuge in God will never fail or disappoint you at such a time.

In the gospel reading of today from St. John, we see the power of God’s words. Jesus’ audience were divided into different groups and this confused those that were sent by the chief priests and the Pharisees. At the end the officers went back to those who sent them without laying a hand on Jesus. The question today is, what do we do with the word of God? May the Lord bless his words in our hearts, in the name of the father and of the son and of the holy spirit, Amen. Peace be with you.