“Fear no one”

One of the themes that comes forward in this coming Sunday's readings is trust in the midst of persecution or harassment. In both the first reading from the prophet Jeremiah and the Gospel, there is an awareness of unjust denouncement toward faithful people. And yet, the exhortation in both is not to fight back with violence or trickery, trying to get the best of the other in triumph. Instead, it is about being secure in one's own knowledge of the truth, knowing that one is in the right, and trusting that "the LORD is with [them], like a mighty champion."

So much of this goes against the call of the world and our culture. It seems like many go about encouraging revenge, taking solace in triumphing and crushing enemies. In a vain world so focused on appearances, we are encouraged to fight dirty if we have to, even if we have to lie and cheat. And yet Jesus ensures us: "Nothing is concealed that will not be revealed, nor secret that will not be known." When faced with calumnies and denouncements, Jeremiah and Jesus counsel us to turn to the Lord and allow God and God's justice to be our hope. Jesus even goes so far as to say we should "fear no one," echoing this thought that God will defend the weak and will be the one to take vengeance for those who have been unjustly harmed.

So let us pray this week that we may grow in our ability to trust in the Lord and not get swept up in the vanity and insecurity of our appearance obsessed culture. In those moments when we are denounced, made fun of, or derided, let us pray that we may indeed imitate Jeremiah and our Lord. May our hearts trust that God sees, that God knows the truth, and that God's justice, and not our own, will prevail and make things right.

Want to prepare your heart and mind for Mass this weekend? Click here to find the readings for this Sunday's Mass.