A reading from the Book of the Prophet Jeremiah 18:18-20
The people of Judah and the citizens of Jerusalem said,“Come, let us contrive a plot against Jeremiah.It will not mean the loss of instruction from the priests,nor of counsel from the wise, nor of messages from the prophets.And so, let us destroy him by his own tongue;let us carefully note his every word.”Heed me, O LORD, and listen to what my adversaries say.Must good be repaid with evil that they should dig a pit to take my life?Remember that I stood before you to speak in their behalf, to turn away your wrath from them.
REFLECTION: “Come, let us contrive a plot against Jeremiah.It will not mean the loss of instruction from the priests,nor of counsel from the wise, nor of messages from the prophets."
Everyday I sin. Whether it is my own pleasure or lack of discipline, turning away from God and His love is justified by me, just as the foes of Jeremiah did. "Come, let us contrive a plot against Jeremiah. It will not mean the loss of instruction from the priests, nor of counsel from the wise, nor of message from the prophets."
When I walk away from the best love one could ever have, why am I surprised when God is not speaking to me? This spiritual crisis of not being with God I want to avoid. My soul is created for Him. When I play games with God and make my own rules to play by, the dark night of the soul overwhelms me. This period causes me confusion and doubt.
St John of the Cross, St Teresa of Calcutta and King David experienced the 'dark night of the soul'. In Psalm 31 "Save me, O Lord, in your kindness" we express our trust and unfailing love. If we seek the Lord, He will be found by us.
There are days that I am not actively engaged with seeking and being with God. Prayer should not be an impulse nor should the superficial prayer of my youth be enough to sustain and nourish me. The chalice of salvation we will indeed drink as promised by Jesus.
Repentance, reconciliation with God and prayer will unite us to Jesus so He will pray in us, with us, for us and through us.
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