Each day, I reflect upon a word or a phrase inspired by the readings of the day. I encourage you to do the same and perhaps incorporate that word or phrase into your daily prayer.
“But the LORD is with me, like a mighty champion: my persecutors will stumble, they will not triumph.” (Jeremiah 20:10-13)
THE LORD IS WITH ME: In today’s first reading, Jeremiah was struggling. He faced both internal and external crises – being a prophet of God caused him to be mocked, ridiculed, and even threatened with physical harm. His former friends turned on him. We heard Jeremiah express his concern in the reading: All those who were my friends are on the watch for any misstep of mine.
Jeremiah lived in fear. People he once counted as friends were now part of a growing opposition to the work he was called to do.
Where did he turn? Jeremiah said, “But the LORD is with me, like a mighty champion: my persecutors will stumble, they will not triumph.”
Human beings are planners. Very few of us have the courage to place all of our trust in God – that would mean relinquishing control. Unfortunately, the very nature of executing our own plan is wrought with anxiety and fear.
The two constants in life are fear and God. Human beings generate the fear; God, if we allow him, alleviates the fear.
Navigating life without God? Now that is something to be afraid of.
From the Deacon's Desk 
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