Wed Mar 16, 2022

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The first reading (Jer 18:18-20) recounts the prophet Jeremiah's anguish at being persecuted by his own people. He has called them to repentance for their idolatry and prophesied destruction if they do not change their ways; the people despise him for it, and plot to use his words against him. Jeremiah turns to God:

“Heed me, O LORD, and listen to what my adversaries say. Must good be repaid with evil that they should dig a pit to take my life? Remember that I stood before you to speak in their behalf, to turn away your wrath from them.”

In Psalm 31, David calls out to God in his persecution. He is the Lord's anointed, yet the object of condemnation by his own people:

“I hear the whispers of the crowd, that frighten me from every side, as they consult together against me, plotting to take my life.
But my trust is in you, O LORD; I say, “You are my God.”
In your hands is my destiny; rescue me from the clutches of my enemies and my persecutors.”

In today's Gospel, Jesus tells His disciples that He will be persecuted, crucified and raised at Jerusalem. No sooner has He told them this, that the mother of James and John asks that her sons be seated at His right and left in the Kingdom. The disciples become indignant with James and John, and Jesus gives them a lesson in Kingdom living:

“You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and the great ones make their authority over them felt. But it shall not be so among you. Rather, whoever wishes to be great among you shall be your servant; whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave. Just so, the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

We all pass through seasons of deep suffering. This suffering is all the more painful when we are isolated or treated unjustly for choosing the Gospel. Jeremiah and David experienced this in their own way. Jesus the divine Servant willingly entered this suffering with its unimaginable anguish of body and soul, for love of humanity; it is the price He was willing to pay for our redemption and restoration to the Father, before being raised from the dead. Such is the path of Christ's bride, whose members are called to serve as Christ served. We follow His servant path through the fires of refinement. He accompanies us each step of the way. We emerge with Him from every trial as a foretaste of His resurrection, strengthened in faith, hope and love, to shine more fully with the light of His Spirit.

Jesus, I trust in You.

Link to Readings:  https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/031622.cfm

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