His Word Today: Whisperings

Good morning everyone,

Just days away from Holy Week, the prophet Jeremiah speaks the words that most probably echoed in Jesus' mind and heart as he began to suffer - mentally - even before the physical punishment had begun.  I wonder if the prophet's words sounded in Jesus' thoughts as he watched so many speak against him: 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 mis-step of mine (Jer 20:10).

How often have we heard such words echo in our own minds?  Such thoughts are deeply human thoughts, for at the core of our beings, we all long for acceptance, but we live among humans in an imperfect society so there will always be doubters among those who hear our words, yet the presence of doubters should not stop us from speaking the truth that we have come to know.  In fact, if there are some among us who whisper about what we say or about the ideas we advance, this is sometimes a sign that we are on the right track.  It is easy for us to fall into the trap of believing that every time we are met with doubt, we must stop and question our own motives, but it takes great faith to continue believing that the work we do is not our own, but rather the work of our Father in heaven who sent his son Jesus, and who now uses our words and actions to speak to mortals.

If today we are aware of whisperings among those who doubt, let us pray for the grace of God's guidance so that we may not give in to the temptation to be paralyzed by other people's doubts, but rather that we may have the courage and conviction of our faith to encounter people where they are, to listen compassionately to their fears and concerns and to act justly and courageously in helping them to exchange their fears for deeper faith and trust in God.

Have a great day.