In Sunday’s first reading, Jeremiah is very angry because he is surrounded by enemies and former friends whispering, “Terror on every side! Denounce him! Let’s denounce him!” (Jeremiah 20:10). In Jeremiah’s younger days, he would have lashed out at God for calling him to prophesy when he met so much mockery, scorn and rejection. Now, as Jeremiah matures, what he says has
changed as he has come to trust in God. Listen to him, “But the Lord is with me like a mighty warrior; so my persecutors will stumble and not prevail.” (Jeremiah 20:11) This is a relationship of trust which has developed from experience and connection.
Not only does he maintain his equilibrium, but he also continues his mission of calling people to come to know God. He invites them, “Sing to the Lord! Give praise to the Lord!
He rescues the life of the needy from the hands of the wicked.” (Jeremiah 20:13)
Looking at my life, have I come to that place of trusting God even in difficulty? Jesus reassures us that, “And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered.” God provides for the numerous sparrows; surely God will provide for each individual part of nature, for those whom God created in his own image. God values all that God has created. So
there is no need to be afraid. “Proclaim the truth, and do not be silent through fear.” (St Catherine of Sienna)
Is my trust in God increasing as I mature in my spiritual life and deepen my relationship with him as I experience him along the way of my life?
Do I believe that God loves me and desires to be loved?
Do I think I am in
relationship with God? How does it change?
