The Persecution Of The Just

Jesus Christ teaches us by example how to be humble.

tion on Today’s Readings, Wednesday of 2nd Week of Lent, February 28th,  2024
Texts: Jeremiah 18:18-20; Psalm 31:5-6,14-16; John 8:12 

The message, today, is the persecution of the just. Prophet Jeremiah was a just man who was persecuted by his people. Today’s first reading tells us about his confession during persecution. They persecuted him for the word of God. He says, “They said, ‘Come, let us make plots against Jeremiah, for the law shall not perish from the priest, nor counsel from the wise, nor the word from the prophet. Come, let us smite him with the tongue, and let us not heed any of his words.’” 

Jesus Christ also told His twelve disciples about His own impending persecution. We read, "Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem; and the Son of man will be delivered to the chief priests and scribes, and they will condemn him to death, and deliver him to the Gentiles to be mocked and scourged and crucified, and he will be raised on the third day." Jesus Christ also tells John and James of sharing in His passion as condition for sharing in His glory. Being His disciples we shall share in His passion to share in His glory.  

God is not unjust; he will not overlook your work 

We see in Jesus Christ that persecution leads to glory of resurrection. We win glory when we unite our suffering with that of Christ. This means whatever we bear for Christ is never in vain. The author of the letter to the Hebrews says, “For God is not unjust; he will not overlook your work and the love that you showed for his sake in serving the saints, as you still do” (6:10).  

Our penance and sacrifices during this Lent will not be in vain, for it is for Christ’s sake. Our fasting is a benefit for the poor as we give them what we fast from. Our abstinence gives us victory over sins. 

One thing that is also worthy of note in today’s gospel reading is the humility of our Lord Jesus Christ. This is clear in the words: "You will drink my cup, but to sit at my right hand and at my left is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom had been prepared by my Father." He does not claim for himself what does not belong to Him. How often do we claim for ourselves what does not belong to us? 

We are not to claim for ourselves what does not belong to us

His show of humility reminds us of the words of St. Paul: “who, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited, but emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, being born in human likeness. And being found in human form, he humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death— even death on a cross” (Phil. 2:6-8). 

Jesus Christ teaches us by example how to be humble. We are not to claim for ourselves what does not belong to us. We should always appreciate who we are, thank God for our strength and embrace our limitations. This will make us real and true and open us up for growth and development. St. James says,  “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you” (4:101). 

Prayer 

Keep your family, O Lord, schooled always in good works, and so comfort them with your protection here as to lead them graciously to gifts on high. Amen (Collect). 

Fr. Andrew Olowomuke