First Reading: Jeremiah 20:7, 10-13
Gospel: John 10:31-42
In our day, the young and the old experience some of the anxiety and fear expressed by the Prophet Jeremiah in the first reading today – of being misunderstood, deceived, rejected, denounced … yes by friends and family. We say: “Someone has it in for me”, “someone is making my life miserable”.
So, where do I turn when even familiar people and places don’t seem safe? The prophet says, turn to God,
“to you I have committed my cause.” But if my image of God brings fear; if I begin to doubt in God’s love; if God is just a figment of my imagination; religion the opioid of the people? What then?
These are the fears that live within many of us. Where do we find hope, the confidence that
Goodness will prevail? In these challenging times, look at COVID-19, global climate change, financial insecurity of many, oppression, violence. News report speak of the dangers of living.
Where is hope?
In today’s Gospel, Jesus confronts the violence aimed at him. Because of his witness (his hope-filled works) in a loving, merciful God, political powers threaten him. They want to murder him because
they are afraid of hope. They promote a harsh, judgmental image of God (as one indifferent to suffering) that causes a fear of God in the people so that they can wield power over others. But they are supposed to be servants. Where do those who want to find joy in life turn for hope?
During these last days in Lent, we Christians turn to the Cross for hope, we see the image of our God who will suffer for and with us, an image of a God who brings mercy for all by
placing his life on the line. Does my image of God give me hope in this world? It is important to pray to know the true of God in Jesus: this truth will set us free. Don’t let false images of a God who condemns stand in your way of coming to the Cross, of seeing the truth of “Love”. Jesus offers the passage that stretches between heaven and earth into the heart of mercy, where we are loved, protected. It’s is our Baptismal inheritance and we trust in Jesus to claim this gift of life and HOPE.
“Your words, Lord, are Spirit and life; you have the words of everlasting life.” (Jn 6. 63)