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A reading from the prophet Jeremiah (20: 10-13):
I hear the whisperings of many:
“Terror on every side!
Denounce! let us denounce him!”
All those who were my friends
are on the watch for any misstep of mine.
“Perhaps he will be trapped; then we can prevail,
and take our vengeance on him.”
But the LORD is with me, like a mighty champion:
my persecutors will stumble, they will not triumph.
In their failure they will be put to utter shame,
to lasting, unforgettable confusion.
O LORD of hosts, you who test the just,
who probe mind and heart,
Let me witness the vengeance you take on them,
for to you I have entrusted my cause.
Sing to the LORD,
praise the LORD,
For he has rescued the life of the poor
from the power of the wicked!
The Word of the Lord.
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We can all relate to Jeremiah, one of the greatest prophets of the Old Testament. He didn’t have it easy; his faith was tested.
For example, when the LORD first called him into ministry, Jeremiah was young and idealistic.
Later reflecting upon the joy of his youth, he said, “When I read your words, I devoured them, O Lord! They became my joy and the happiness of my heart!”
Jeremiah was ready to save the world.
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But some years into his ministry, he complains, “You duped me, O LORD!”
You’ve made me a fool.
Enter our first reading.
The Jews, even close friends of Jeremiah, are plotting to kill him, because they don’t like the message he is offering: Repent. Return to the Lord.
Rather than mend their ways, they want to kill him.
And yet Jeremiah cannot hold back. The Word of God is like a fire in his bones; he must preach it! His strength comes from his faith; he believes the same Lord who called him from his youth is with him now.
As he says today, “The LORD is with me, like a mighty champion; my persecutors will stumble; they will not triumph.”
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Anyone who journeys with God will feel the highs and lows of faith like Jeremiah.
You may feel close to God on your wedding day, after giving birth to a child, or even after having a simple prayer answered.
We may feel far from the LORD after losing a loved one, enduring a lukewarm marriage, or a stressful day at work.
Wherever we are in our journeys, let’s pray for one another, that we may have faith like Jeremiah, a faith that makes us bold; that comforts us; and that remains strong, even when it’s tested.
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A friend sent this email to me now, in my time of need. I am re-centered and know that I am blessed. Thank you. Thank you, God.
That’s beautiful, Ruth. Thanks for sharing! God bless you.