Friday, March 8, 2022

 

Friday of the Fifth Week in Lent

 (Jeremiah 20:10-13; John 10:31-42)

 Both Jeremiah and Jesus in today’s readings find themselves in litigation.  Jewish authorities want to silence Jeremiah for denouncing idolatry.  Rather than trust in God, they seek favors from idols.  Jeremiah, of course, will have none of their faithlessness. Jesus is being drilled as if he were a defendant facing prosecutors.  The Jews want to prove that he is an imposter claiming to be God.

Jesus deftly cites Scripture to show how he can be considered a son of God.  More than that, he points to the evidence of his powerful works.  They manifest a divine relationship.  He also calls a notable witness.  John the Baptist publicly testified on his behalf.  The Jews are not convinced, yet they cannot arrest Jesus.  His time has still not come. 

We may suffer, like Jeremiah and Jesus, for saying what is true.  Having the right intentions and doing virtuous works does not free us from accusation.  Like Jeremiah and Jesus again, we should make every effort to persevere.  We can turn to God in prayer for the grace to do so.  We might also pray for those who persecute us.  We want them to accept the truth and to live it.