16 Mar
Sat
4th Week of Lent
Jer 11:18-20
Ps. 7:2-3, 9-12
Jn 7:40-52
(Ps. Wk. IV)
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Prophet Jeremiah is well aware of the impending scheme by his haters and their cohorts to annihilate him. He described this grave situation without any naivety, it spells martyrdom. The Lord has opened his eyes to the unrestrained wickedness and evil. For him to face this threat alone is disconcerting, yet he found his precise bearing. What makes him fearless and responding in a non-violent manner? There is a foolproof anchor in his gut. It is the Lord who called and commissioned him and Who will surely vindicate him. In the Lord, he takes refuge.

The chief priests and Pharisees too deviously intend to lay a trap on Jesus so that He commits a wrong which would then publicly warrant an execution. However, people are torn apart with their own opinions of Jesus' identity and authority as 'Christ' and 'prophet. It becomes an unreconciled dispute for the crowd. The police, chief priests and Pharisees could not hold Him. When Nicodemus, a member of their own Pharisee circle, reasonably stated his point of giving a fair hearing to Jesus, he was ridiculed with an interjection that Jesus' origin is gravely dubious.

The Lenten season is an opportune time that challenges our own conviction towards Jesus and the innocent in our midst. In such a situation, where do we stand and whom do we look up to?


Dear Lord, You are the refuge of the innocent, let us never waiver to be compassionate.



DAILY OFFERING
Eternal Father, I offer You everything I do this day; my thoughts, words, joys and sufferings. Grant that, vivified by the Holy Spirit and united to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary, my life this day may be of service to You and to others. I also pray that all those preparing for marriage discover in Sacrament the source of Christ's grace for living a fithful and fruitful love. Amen.

PRAYING WITH THE CHURCH
INTENTION
Let us pray that those who risk their lives for the gospel in various parts of the world might imbue the Church with their courage and missionary drive.
Elaboration

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