Jer 38:4-6,8-10 Ps 39(40):2-4,18 Heb 12:1-4 Lk 12:49-53
Writing during the turbulence just before the exile, Jeremiah was caught between the king, Zedekiah, and jealous nobles, who falsely imprisoned him. In 586 BC Judea again revolted against Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon. Jeremiah told the king he should surrender because Judea would be defeated anyway, as God’s punishment for their infidelity, and resistance would lead to Jerusalem’s destruction. But the nobles said Jeremiah’s advice was undermining morale and threw him into a cistern. Jerusalem did not surrender, and was destroyed, and most survivors were deported to Babylon.
Jeremiah might have used this Psalm to give thanks after being rescued from the well. And to ask God for help in the troubles to come.
Last week we heard part of the discussion in Hebrews about the meaning of faith, “the conviction of things not seen”, giving the example of Abraham. After further examples, Hebrews says yet all these “did not receive what was promised, since God had foreseen something better”. With so many witnesses confident of this unknown reward, we must persevere in our faith, enduring, like Jesus.
The themes of turbulence and suffering continue in today’s reading from Luke’s gospel, which follows the insistence last week that unfaithful servants will be punished. Jesus’ message brings division between believers and non-believers, whose evil deeds are thrown into relief by the gospel.
Psalm Response: Lord, come to my aid!
(Jer 38:4-6,8-10 Ps 39(40):2-4,18 Heb 12:1-4 Lk 12:49-53)