Friday of the Fifth Week

Reflection

When we think of the word ‘distress,’ a variety of interpretations come to mind. Distress can mean discomfort—something that challenges us or makes us feel anxious. I might say that a certain situation, like speaking in front of an audience or flying, makes me feel distressed.  Distress can also mean anguish or pain—whether that's physically or emotionally, it’s something that produces the sensation of agony. Today’s first reading from Jeremiah conveys this type of distress: the speaker is targeted by his former friends who seek to inflict vengeance upon him.

Someone once said to me: “Just because something feels distressful doesn’t necessarily mean it’s dangerous.” In the moments where we feel overwhelmed and out of control, we may find peace in this idea; while we may feel uncomfortable, we are not necessarily in danger. Although it's important to recognize that distress resulting in physical implications can be dangerous, it is all the more essential to look at who is protecting us the entire time. We are safe because God is always with us; He holds us in the palm of His hand.

In today’s Responsorial Psalm, we sing out “In my distress, I called upon the Lord, and He heard my voice.” Regardless of the severity of our distress, we know that we may call out to God; He heard us and will rescue us. Perhaps that saving is not in the manner we expect or want—it doesn’t mean that God is absent or that He is ignoring us. Instead, it shows that, even when we don’t understand God’s ways, He’s always working on our behalf.

What about the times in which we have nothing to call out? What about the moments when we are at a loss for words or our voice does not come? God is still listening. If the pain cuts so deeply that we cannot muster the right thing to say, God knows. Our hearts still cry out to Him. He knows how we feel, the hurt we are experiencing, the profound amount of distress we are encountering. He is there through it all, listening, comforting, and promising a hope for a better tomorrow.

Prayer

Lord, in moments of distress, regardless of severity, help me to always turn to You. Give me the right words when I lack them. Help me to remember that at all times I am safe with You. Amen.

Maddie Newman, ’20

Scripture

First Reading: Jeremiah 20:10-13
Psalm 18:2-7
Gospel: John 10:31-42

Daily Scripture readings can be found online at the USCCB website