‘Have no fear’
Our apologies that the Gospel reflection appeared with the wrong reference in the previous circulation.
The readings this week reflect a God who understands and always responds to our cries for help. We are not promised a life without suffering, but are invited to trust in his merciful and boundless love.
In the First Reading, the prophet Jeremiah is mocked and abandoned by his own people when he tries to speak out against wrongdoing. He turns to the Lord for strength and resilience, confident that he will deliver justice and new life.
The Psalm tells of someone in a state of complete desperation and isolation. The psalmist is feeling attacked from all sides, but the Lord hears their cry and shows them the path to renewed peace and joy.
Paul explains in no uncertain terms (Second Reading) that nothing but death – the death of loving relationships, of joy, and of peace – can come from sin. But he reminds us that the death and resurrection of Jesus offer abundant possibilities for mercy and renewal.
In the Gospel, Jesus instructs his disciples to ‘have no fear’. He boldly reassures them that nothing in this world can kill the love that comes from God. God has intimate knowledge of all our needs and will never abandon us.
In these times of painful and enduring global conflict, we take strength from God’s promise that he will deliver light and peace.
