The Lord is our refuge and strength

 




 


Saturday of the 4th week of Lent


Jeremiah 11:18-20

Psalm 7:2-3,9-12

John 7:40-52



Many of us can strongly relate to the guards' feelings during that pivotal moment when they discussed where Jesus came from. The guards understood that Jesus was unlike anyone who had ever appeared before. Yet, when they boldly testified to the power of Jesus’s teachings, the chief priests and Pharisees dismissed them and possibly mocked them. It’s a timeless challenge: just like the guards, when we share about God’s love, we often face sarcasm and rejection.



Do we let hurtful words from others silence our faith, or do we stand firm and speak out with conviction? Maybe we feel the same passion as the guards and choose to speak up. Or do we respond with anger and hostility at their injustice? Instead, can we remember Jesus’s love and let it transform us, just as the guards did?


Our actions can mirror the chief priests and Pharisees—unless we adopt a plan to act with compassion. We can pause, take a deep breath, and gather ourselves. Let’s remember Jesus’s words: “Love God with all your heart and soul, and love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:37-40). Let these powerful words touch our hearts, inspire forgiveness, and usher in peace.



Pray : Jesus, heal my wounds, protect me from resentment, and help me respond with kindness and strength.” Amen. 

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