The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today challenge us to contemplate our response to situations in which we have felt persecuted or treated unjustly.
Persecuted
The reading from the Prophet Jeremiah introduces a plot against Jeremiah.
Remember that I stood before you to speak on their behalf,1
Psalm 31 is a prayer and praise for deliverance from enemies.
* [Psalm 31] A lament (Ps 31:2–19) with a strong emphasis on trust (Ps 31:4, 6, 15–16), ending with an anticipatory thanksgiving (Ps 31:20–24). As is usual in laments, the affliction is couched in general terms. The psalmist feels overwhelmed by evil people but trusts in the “God of truth” (Ps 31:6).2
In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus foretells His Death and Resurrection, a third time and handles the request of the mother of James and John.
* [20:17–19] Cf. Mk 10:32–34. This is the third and the most detailed of the passion predictions (Mt 16:21–23; 17:22–23). It speaks of Jesus’ being handed over to the Gentiles (Mt 27:2), his being mocked (Mt 27:27–30), scourged (Mt 27:26), and crucified (Mt 27:31, 35). In all but the last of these points Matthew agrees with his Marcan source, but whereas Mark speaks of Jesus’ being killed (Mk 10:34), Matthew has the specific to be…crucified. * [20:20–28] Cf. Mk 10:35–45. The request of the sons of Zebedee, made through their mother, for the highest places of honor in the kingdom, and the indignation of the other ten disciples at this request, show that neither the two brothers nor the others have understood that what makes for greatness in the kingdom is not lordly power but humble service. Jesus gives the example, and his ministry of service will reach its highest point when he gives his life for the deliverance of the human race from sin.3
Cindy Costanzo, after reflecting on Matthew's scripture, commits to a plan.
Listen attentively and clarify for deeper understanding. Listen with care and love which should involve my ears (focused only on you); my eyes (engaged with yours), and my body (which should lean in toward you).
Embrace humility and recognize when my pride and ego are at the center. Recognize the gifts and light of others who interact with me and let their light shine brightly.
Pray for others …be specific, I will carry their names with me and throughout the day say a prayer of special intention for that person.
Take action ….when the holy spirit whispers in my ear to do something “Just Do It.” Don’t hesitate. 4
Don Schwager quotes “Do you wish to be great?” by Augustine of Hippo, 354-430 A.D.
"Do you wish to be great? Then begin from what is slightest. Do you plan to construct a high and mighty building? Then think first about the foundation of humility. When people plan to erect a lofty and large building, they make the foundations all the deeper. But those who lay the foundation are forced to descend into the depths." (excerpt from Sermon 69, 2)5
The Word Among Us Meditation on Psalm 31:5-6, 14-16 comments that, today, God’s word invites us to imitate Jeremiah. We can start with an honest prayer—“God, this feels really unfair” or “Lord, I don’t see any way out of this mess.” We can follow up with a simple declaration: “You are my God” (Psalm 31:15). As we offer this prayer, we can invite God to help us see the situation through his eyes so that we can surrender the outcome to him. We may not be delivered immediately, but as we surrender our lives and our circumstances to the Lord, we are reminding ourselves—and those around us—that God is indeed worthy of trust.
God is more than able to help you through any challenge that comes your way. You can always trust that, in his own way, he will bring about the healing, the deliverance, the wisdom, or the redemption that you most need. So try your best to look beyond the difficult circumstance you or a loved one is facing. Fix your eyes on the Lord. He is faithful and the source of all our hope. “Lord, like the psalmist, I proclaim, ‘You are my God.’ Help me to trust in you always.”6
Friar Jude Winkler discusses the betrayal felt by Jeremiah who was telling a difficult truth to the people. Our persecution and suffering when working to accomplish good is an opportunity to purify our actions from self aggrandizement. Friar Jude reminds us that discipleship includes our willingness to give of ourselves in service.
Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, writes that our images of God become more fluid as we grow in spiritual maturity. It’s almost tragic to witness how many people are afraid of God, experience God as cold and absent, and even have a sense of God as someone who might hurt and betray them. These ideas about God reveal far more about the state of our parent symbols than they do about our Trinitarian God.
We truly have nothing to be afraid of. The Trinitarian flow of God’s love is like the rise and fall of tides on a shore. In a Trinitarian Universe, reality can be pictured as an Infinite, Loving Outpouring that empowers and generates an Eternal, Loving Infolding. This eternal flow outward is echoed in history by every animal, fish, flower, bird, and planet you have ever seen. It is the universe: the first incarnation of God. All we have to lose are the false images of God that do not serve us and are too small. The foundational good news is that all of creation and all of humanity have been drawn into this loving flow (no exceptions)! We are not outsiders or spectators but inherently part of the divine dance. Such good theology was supposed to create good politics and history. We still have hope.7
We ponder our path when persecution or praise accompany our action and trust the Spirit to affirm our choice to be disciples of Jesus.
References
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