Have you ever felt that people were out to get you? I’m sure political figures feel that way. Whichever party you belong to, the other side is gunning for you; looking for any slip you might make. Seems like this is the habit of humanity.
I’m sure Jesus felt this way. Despite all the many miraculous healings he performed, there were always those who sought to find fault. Maybe it was a trick or magic. Maybe the healed person was never really sick to begin with. Maybe it was through the power of Beelzebub that it was done. And how dare He heal on a Sabbath!!
And before the birth of Jesus, the prophets must have felt this way too. Today’s first reading reflects the fears of the prophet Jeremiah. I can see it in my mind’s eye. Jeremiah treading carefully, maybe in the dark of night, hearing the whisperings of many “Terror on every side! Denounce! Let us denounce him!” Even his friends “are on the watch for any misstep” of his.
“But the Lord is with me, like a mighty champion: my persecutors will stumble, they will not triumph”
God, our Heavenly Father, was with Jesus too, especially in His final hours, when He called on His father to take this cup away from Him. But He submitted to His Father’s will, and we must too.
The responsorial psalm should resonate in our hearts, especially in times of trouble and difficulty—“In my distress I called upon the Lord, and he heard my voice.”
We are called to share the good news of Christ, just like Jeremiah and the prophets did in the days of old. In being disciples of Jesus, there will be a certain amount of suffering at the hands of those who do not want to hear the Good News.
Living according to the Good News of Jesus will lead to opposition. There will be opposition from people who do not want to hear the Gospel because they know it will cause them to reflect on their way of life which they are reluctant to do. The closer we come in our relationship with God, the more the enemy will be working against us. We will then need to cry out to God as did Jeremiah, the psalmist, and especially Jesus. We will need to be strengthened by God who is our rock of refuge, our shield, our stronghold. And in our distress, we will call upon the Lord Jesus, and our Heavenly Father will hear our voice. God may not remove the opposition we face, but He will give us the strength to face them.
One week from today is Good Friday. The end is near. Jesus’ earthly life is almost at an end. We are being prepared for Jesus’ Hour of Glory – and His resurrection.
Let us make these last few days of Lent truly meaningful, through fasting and prayer and almsgiving, walking with Jesus on the road to Calvary. Stretch out your hand to one in need. The gesture of Veronica wiping the face of Jesus meant so much to Him that He blessed her with His countenance on her veil. Let us see the scourged and disfigured face of Jesus in the homeless and marginalized people that we encounter. And offer up our veil, whether it be a dollar, a cup of coffee or a meal or even just a smile.
May you be blessed this Holy Week.
Thank you for this reflection today, Arlene. You are right that many people do not want to hear the Gospel, just as in Jesus’ own time. We must ask for strength to continue to share His light! God bless.