In the first reading we see that God did not call us by accident – the call was a deliberate action from God who knows us personally. We are tasked to proclaim the good news to all nations. Just like how Jeremiah the prophet had to preach to corrupt kings and religious leaders of ancient Judah who opposed him fiercely, we will also encounter adversities during discipleship. God warns us that we shall face adversity and that there will be people who will oppose us. He already knows what is to happen, but we should nonetheless trust in his plan for us as he would not send us on a non-beneficial journey. We are also reminded that God will provide strength and protection. In the face of adversity, he will be present with us, and strengthen us.
The psalmist speaks of the desire and cries of one’s heart for God to be our stronghold, refuge, strength, rock and hope. It is a plea to the Lord to ask for strength to trust in Him. Upon receiving his blessings and mercy, we are also called to proclaim and spread the word of his justice and help.
In the second reading Paul tells us that it is important to have the following Cardinal Virtues: Faith, Hope and Love; the greatest of which is love. We are called to love and live these virtues as we carry out our mission to spread the good news. Paul also talks about the different spiritual gifts that one may have such as the gift of prophecy. However, if we exercise these gifts without love, all knowledge and eloquence would ring hollow. Love is the key to utilising our gifts effectively – when we act out of love, our actions will reap rewards.
In the Gospel, we see Jesus carrying out God’s mission and experiencing rejection by the people. This shows us that while we are carrying out God’s mission we may face opposition, persecution, rejection and our lives may even be threatened. In such circumstances, we should follow Jesus’ example of perseverance and faith, in order to carry on without relenting.
Sometimes when we grow in virtue, our way of thinking changes and we find ourselves opposing the norms that may seem acceptable in the secular world. This may result in our friends and family not understanding and saying we are talking nonsense or even that we are being fake. Following what was shared in the Gospel, it is important not to let yourself be discouraged and to stand firm in your beliefs