Reflection
Today's readings present us with a very harsh lesson, but one that will resonate with anyone who makes a sincere effort to do the right thing for the right reason. As Jesus said to His followers, "If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also." This harsh reality continually confronts anyone who makes a sincere and constant effort to do the will of the Lord.
The good news is that the triune God will always be our refuge and our strength in times of trouble. The words of the prophet Jeremiah with regard to our persecutors are strong indeed: "But you, O Lord of hosts, O just judge, searcher of mind and heart, let me witness the vengeance you take on them, for to you I have entrusted my cause!"
We take comfort in the words of the responsorial Psalm: "Do me justice, O Lord, because I am just, and because of the innocence that is mine. Let the malice of the wicked come to an end, but sustain the just, O searcher of heart and soul, O just God.”
Doing the work of the Lord while being guided by a good conscience under the direction of the Holy Spirit is never easy, but the Comforter is always by our side. Faith, hope, and love must be our
constant companions, and not without good reason are they known as the theological virtues and regarded as the fundamental principles of Catholicism.
The good news is that the triune God will always be our refuge and our strength in times of trouble. The words of the prophet Jeremiah with regard to our persecutors are strong indeed: "But you, O Lord of hosts, O just judge, searcher of mind and heart, let me witness the vengeance you take on them, for to you I have entrusted my cause!"
We take comfort in the words of the responsorial Psalm: "Do me justice, O Lord, because I am just, and because of the innocence that is mine. Let the malice of the wicked come to an end, but sustain the just, O searcher of heart and soul, O just God.”
Doing the work of the Lord while being guided by a good conscience under the direction of the Holy Spirit is never easy, but the Comforter is always by our side. Faith, hope, and love must be our
constant companions, and not without good reason are they known as the theological virtues and regarded as the fundamental principles of Catholicism.
Prayer
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, help us to remember that You will always be our refuge and our strength in times of trouble.
Lorraine Sterritt, President of Saint Michael’s College and Norbert Lain, Instructor in Latin, Greek, and of Medical and Scientific Terminology
Scripture
First Reading: Jeremiah 11:18-20
Psalm 7:2-3, 9b-12
Gospel: John 7:40-53
Daily Scripture readings can be found online at the USCCB website
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