Friday of the Fifth Week of Lent - March 22

 Jeremiah 20:10-13      John 10:31-42

Today’s reading is a reflection on the power that faith in God can give us during times of hardship. When the speaker alludes to being surrounded by enemies, it may not necessarily indicate physical foes, but could symbolize internal struggles or life's challenges. Yet through all this, the speaker remains confident because they believe God is on their side, fighting their battles with them.

The speaker seeks God's vengeance on their persecutors, illustrating the belief that those who do wrong and fail to understand the consequences will eventually face divine judgment. This eternal disgrace they're accumulating is a severe and lasting retribution, which contrasts sharply with the ephemeral nature of earthly success.

God is commended not as a distant deity, but a personal savior, a refuge, and a source of strength. This points to a deep, personal relationship between the speaker and God, characterized by love, trust, and reliance. Even when faced with the sorrows of death and torrents of iniquity, which could be interpreted as the overwhelming challenges and evils in life, the speaker finds solace and hope in their faith.

They call upon God in their distress and are comforted by the belief that their cries are heard, reinforcing their faith and trust. The passage serves as a reminder that faith, especially during times of despair, offers a glimmer of hope and the promise of divine assistance. It's a testament to the reassuring and sustaining power of unwavering faith in God.

Q: How does my faith give me hope in difficult times?

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