If I am not doing my Father's work, there is no need to believe me

Jer. 20:10-13, Jn 10:31-42. Today's first reading presents the lamentations of the prophet Jeremiah. Many despised him for the tragic prophecies that he brought to the people, especially the false prophets who tried to persuade the king of Judah, that they were all doing fine in their state of sin and disobedience against God. Jeremiah’s faith and trust were truly evident, as he remained confident in God’s guidance and help. It was this faith which allowed him to remain strong in his ministry despite the trials and difficulties that he encountered in Judah and beyond. In today’s Gospel, the Pharisees and the teachers of the Law, with many of the Jews also opposed Jesus and took great issue with His claim being the Son of God.

The Lord told them the truth and revealed everything to them plainly, but they refused to believe in Him. Instead, they hardened their hearts and wanted to have Him arrested and killed, as they considered Him as blaspheming against God. Since they were deeply biased against Jesus, it was difficult for any truth or reason to change their minds. The will of God the Creator will always be mysterious to us and particularly in a time of pandemic such as the coronavirus or the dire state of our global environment. The crisis of this moment is an opportunity for us as a nation to get ourselves back and do the needful for the good of our nation. Like Jeremiah and Jesus were hounded by friends and relatives, truth and the proclaimer of truth are being persecuted daily. In a nation where political leaders live on falsehood and trample upon the rights of the people, this current event is a warning that a lot needs to be put in place, else vengeance is about to have its way. Yet, God is always merciful and always ever willing to forgive our sins, if we are willing to turn back to Him and embrace once again the fullness of His grace and love. He wants us to get rid of our hardened and stone-like hearts, greed and embezzlement of public funds and exchange it for a new heart of love, filled with renewed faith and desire to serve the nation with true integrity and sincerity.

May the Lord transform every citizen of this nation to work for truth and serve with integrity! Amen!! Keep safe and have a panic free day!!!