Lectio Divina
READ: The first reading relates how Jeremiah was wrongly accused, lowered to the cistern to die, and was drawn out from the cistern. The Letter to the Hebrew invites us to look at Jesus who endured the cross and to think of his suffering so that we will not be discou­ raged. Luke speaks of Jesus to have undergone suffering and to have come to bring fire, the Holy Spirit.
REFLECT: Human life must have been ordered to include the elements of struggle, hard­ ship, endurance, failure, success, and the like. The same is true with the Christian life, which comprises the dynamics pain, suffering, joy, and glory. Having assumed a human form, Jesus will have to experience all these to accomplish his saving mission. He will have to put up with the disbelief and rejection of many. He will have to suffer and endure the pain of the cross before he ascends back to the Father in glory, and finally, to give the Holy Spirit. Jesus assures us of the gifts of the Holy Spirit that is why there is no point to be weary and dishear­ tened in doing good, in working for justice and peace, in helping the poor, and in caring for God’s creation. We may encounter resistance, and we  may  have to give up comfort in sharing with Christ’s mission. But, as he promised, we will also have to share with his glory.
PRAY: Lord, may we be steadfast in working for your kingdom, even when faced with strong and violent opposition.
ACT: Seek guidance/help when confronted with challenging situations.
© Copyright Bible Diary 2019