Friday of the Fifth Week

Reflection

Terror.  Fear.  Distress.  These and other words are what begin to circulate in my head after reading the readings from today.

 

In the first reading from Jeremiah, we can become the speaker.  Every day we are faced with the challenges of reconfirming our faith in Jesus.  There are many reasons why we have difficulty speaking our faith out loud.  We can be afraid of being ridiculed for our belief; we can be scared of what others may think of us, and we can be unsure if what we believe is true.  In the reading, Jeremiah reminds us, “my persecutors will stumble, they will not triumph.  In their failure they will be put to utter shame, to lasting, unforgettable confusion” (Jeremiah 20:11).   We are reminded that speaking out about our faith is worth it, we just need to trust. 

 

In the Gospel Jesus says, “If I do not perform my Father’s works, do not believe me; but if I perform them, even if you do not believe me, believe the works, so that you may realize and understand that the Father is in me and I am in the Father” (John 10:35-36).  Jesus performs good works in our lives daily.  We can generally see the good works because it is easier to believe in the works than in something that isn’t tangible.  If we can just take that belief and make the leap of faith in putting our full trust in God, our trust will bring us closer to God. 

 

 

Prayer

God, help us to take the leap of faith in our belief and say yes to You every day.  Help us to see Your good works in our lives and the lives of others.  May it be possible for those in our lives, who hinder our beliefs, to see You in their lives and realize the good works You perform for us daily.

 

Maura Grogan, ‘14

 
 

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