The Word: . "We looked for peace, but no good came; for a time of healing, but behold, terror. We acknowledge our wickedness, ..." (see Jeremiah 14:17-22)
Mystery of the day: Sorrowful
Celebration of the day: Ferial
Table of the Word: I R.: Jeremiah 14:17-22
Resp. Psalm: Psalm 79:8.9.11.13 (R. 9bc)
Verse before the Gospel: The seed is the word of God, and the sower is Christ; all who find him will abide for ever.
Gospel: Matthew 13:36-43
Inspiration: The greatest sin in man is when he lost the sense of sin. That is a situation whereby sin becomes his nature (habit), at this point he feels nothing wrong with it. Therefore, such an ill-living tentamounts to an attitude of feeling at ease by staying far-off from God; for when we are closer to God we are far away from sin. But our closeness to sin makes us far from God.
It is on this note that Prophet Jeremiah in the first reading cries out:
"We looked for peace, but no good came; for a time of healing, but behold, terror. We acknowledge our wickedness, ..." (see Jeremiah 14:17-22)
An extract of a poignant passage which reveals the prophet's anguished prayerful plea to God amidst judgement and desolation. That is why our today's reflection called on our admittance of sin before God.
However, Jeremiah having seen the iniquities of the people lamented and made a confession of Judah's sin. He acknowledges God's judgement and shows empathy over the devastation and suffering that engulfed the people. Amidst this, he appealed to God's unfathomable mercy's character keeping in mind His unfailing covenant while appealing that He should relent the punishment.
In the light of this text, there is a complexity of God's character where judgment and mercy are highlighted.
In our day-to-day living experience, we have gone wrong, derailed from the right path as a result of our shortcomings and weaknesses. Thus calls for judgement which enshrined in Mercy. As Jeremiah, we are called to be hopeful in God's ultimate redemptive power amidst desolation and frustration in life. But on our path, we ought to be humble and sincere to ourselves by re-examining our relationship with God, acknowledging our sin, appealing to His mercy, and trusting in His character, even in difficult times. In doing this the words of the psalmist which he acknowledged God's mercy: "For the sake of the glory of your name, free us O Lord." (Psalm 79: 9bc) will be fulfilled in us. Peace be with you!
Let us pray
Almighty ever-living God, we acknowledge our weaknesses before you. Grant we pray the grace to be hopeful amidst every situation, that with you we will surmount every challenge that comes our way. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen
© The ARCHIVE 30072024
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