When trials weigh us down, the saints remind us where to look
by Sister Mary Kabat
Oh, dear! The Scripture readings for this Sunday are quite discouraging, even shocking. In the first reading from Jeremiah (38:4-6,8-10,) King Zedekiah allows the princes to throw the Prophet Jeremiah into a cistern where he sinks into the mud. And Jesus in the Gospel from Luke (12:49-53) tells his disciples he is bringing division within households.
Some Sundays, my reflection focuses on the first reading and Gospel alone. This Sunday I need the second reading from Hebrews (12:1-4.) The writer reminds us we are surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses. We would call them the communion of saints. In discouraging, stressful, painful times these witnesses remind us to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus; Jesus who suffered death on a cross. With eyes fixed on Jesus, we are challenged to not grow weary in our faith and let us not lose heart in our prayer.
Whatever trials you are enduring, whatever trials our nation is enduring, whatever trials our world is enduring, let us turn to Jesus in trustful prayer and live the Good News of the Gospel. The Responsorial Psalm for this Sunday from Psalm 40 has encouragement for us:
Though I am afflicted and poor,
yet the Lord thinks of me.
You are my help and my deliverer;
O my God, hold not back!