Jeremiah 16: Candor and Hope
Monday, November 25, 2019
Suffering, as we know, is not necessarily castigation; sometimes the innocent suffer through no fault of their own because of circumstances beyond anyone’s control. What we can take away from today’s reading is the underlined thought above. When we feel ourselves suffering in exile, two exercises are useful: first, reflecting on our behavior prior to exile to investigate the need to change as appropriate and second, anticipating a better future in active hope. These are hallmark characteristics of the Christian. Candid self assessments, the search for improvement, and petitioning God for better things to come. Even . . . and especially . . . when things seem darkest . . . and without hope of any kind.
When we find ourselves in pain or in exile, suffering either innocently or as a consequence of our own actions, we may choose to become bitter, angry, resentful, and intent on making others suffer. This does not align with the Law of Love as described by St. Paul in 1 Corinthians 13 when he writes that love does not brood over injury or rejoice over wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth.
When we find ourselves in exile, it is best to regard the time as a period of retreat and reflection, going inward to hear the voice of truth, looking outward in expectation of the good news which will arrive. As children of God, we benefit from knowing this good news even before it reaches us. It is the news of our release. The news of our freedom. The news that we are created and held by one who loves us more than we can imagine.
Written on November 26, 2008, re-written and posted today. To see how one community contemplates and moves toward a more favorable future, click on the image above or go to: http://www.hopeinspiredministries.org/
Mays, James L., ed. HARPERCOLLINS BIBLE COMMENTARY. New York, New York: HarperCollins Publishers, 1988. 559. Print.
Image from: http://www.hopeinspiredministries.org/
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