WEDNESDAY OF THE SEVENTEENTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME JULY 27, 2022

MASS READINGS

A Reading from the book of the Prophet Jeremiah Jer 15:10, 16-21

Woe to me, mother, that you gave me birth! a man of strife and contention to all the land! I neither borrow nor lend, yet all curse me. When I found your words, I devoured them; they became my joy and the happiness of my heart, Because I bore your name, O LORD, God of hosts. I did not sit celebrating in the circle of merrymakers; Under the weight of your hand I sat alone because you filled me with indignation. Why is my pain continuous, my wound incurable, refusing to be healed? You have indeed become for me a treacherous brook, whose waters do not abide! Thus the LORD answered me: If you repent, so that I restore you, in my presence you shall stand; If you bring forth the precious without the vile, you shall be my mouthpiece. Then it shall be they who turn to you, and you shall not turn to them; And I will make you toward this people a solid wall of brass. Though they fight against you, they shall not prevail, For I am with you, to deliver and rescue you, says the LORD. I will free you from the hand of the wicked, and rescue you from the grasp of the violent.

REFLECTION

"When I found your words, I devoured them; they became my joy and the happiness of my heart.."

Many people without looking find their true vocation. It is like a treasure buried and waiting to be found. Others, with restless hearts, keep seeking until they find the pearl of great value. And for them the prize is of enormous worth. Both are a gift from God given to man when He wants, an invitation to be with Him. Life now takes on a meaning. Give your whole life to God and He will give all to you.

Either a treasure unearthed or a sought after pearl, they are divine vocations. And all attachments and earthly wantings now become a thing of the past. What joy to find the love of Jesus who has promised never to leave us, to stand firm by our side, and be the King of our lives.

Whether He beckons us in our youth, middle age or close to the end of our years, He will recreate us, renew our lives. Whether we find Him quickly or search for Him all our lives; it happens on His timetable and so it is never too late nor too soon.

"When I found your words, I devoured them; they became my joy and the happiness of my heart.."

God Bless You

In Conversation with God, Chapter 42, Volume 4 Part 1, Kindle