Persecution
JEREMIAH 20:10–13; PSALM 18; JOHN 10:31–42
“He has delivered the soul of the needy from the hands of evil men” (Jer. 20:30). This statement points to Jeremiah, who was being persecuted by the people. Secondly, it points to the persecution of Jesus in the gospel reading, which will fully unfold in the Holy Week.
Both persecutions leave us with a lesson in the moment of persecution. Jeremiah prayed during his persecution, and Jesus prayed for strength during his persecution. We, too, must learn to pray for strength and wisdom during persecution.
No one can go through hard times without prayer. This was David’s secret in moments of trouble; in 2 Samuel 22:7, David says, “In my distress, I called upon the Lord; I cried out to my God. And from His temple, He heard my voice, and my cry for help reached His ears.”
Similarly, today’s psalm echoes: “In my anguish, I called to the Lord, and he heard my voice” (Ps. 18:6). Beloved, call on the Lord and ask in accordance with his will, and you shall never be disappointed (1 John 5:14).
Let us pray
Pardon our offenses, O Lord, and in your goodness, set us free from the bonds of the sins we have committed in our weakness. Answer us when we come upon your name through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Fr. Daniel Evbotokhai
