Jer 20: 10-13; Ps 68(69): 8-10.14.17.33-35; Romans 5: 12-15; Matthew 10: 26-33
About 600 BC Jeremiah counselled King Zedekiah to be conciliatory towards Babylon, ruled by Nebuchadnezzar. Other counsellors had Jeremiah scourged for prophesying that the Lord would punish the city because the people had not obeyed the words of the one God. Here Jeremiah expresses his internal doubts but concludes that the Lord is indeed on his side, and asks that he will see his persecutors punished. Against Jeremiah’s advice, Zedekiah revolted, Jerusalem was destroyed and the people led into exile.
In his letter to the Romans Paul continues reflecting on the redemptive mystery of Christ. Sin, the dreadful power that has gripped humanity from the beginning, causes both bodily and spiritual death. Like Adam, all people pursue their own desires in opposition to God’s will, and so continue to suffer death. But “the grace of God and the gracious gift of the one person Jesus Christ overflow for the many”, making life available to all.
In Matthew’s gospel Jesus has described the trials the newly commissioned Apostles will face in their mission. They will be persecuted and even betrayed by members of their families. But they should “not worry about how they are to speak” in front of judges. They “will be given at that moment” what they are to say. Today’s reading insists they can have complete confidence in God and must not be afraid.
Psalm Response: In your great love, answer me, O God.
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