Good morning, good people! May the Lord give you peace, health, and happiness in the Holy Spirit during this year of Jubilee.
It is 11th April 2025. We reflect on Jeremiah 20:10–13 and John 10:31–42
Can we turn our pains into prayer?
Henri Nouwen describes, “Pain that is surrendered to God becomes prayer. It no longer destroys—it transforms.”
A mother sat in the hospital chapel, her child in surgery. With tears streaming down her face, she whispered, “God, I have no words—only pain.” She sat in silence, holding her rosary, letting each bead carry her hurt. Hours later, the doctor came out with a gentle smile: “The surgery went well.” She later said, “I didn’t know how to pray that day. But God heard my pain—and that was enough.”
Serving the Lord with sincerity, proclaiming His Word, and standing up for justice and peace can often come at a great personal cost. We may face threats, rejection, slander, and even danger. Yet, in the depths of despair and fear, we are called to turn to God and unburden our hearts. “For to you I have committed my cause.” (Jeremiah 20:12)
Jeremiah, the great prophet, shares a deeply personal and painful moment in today’s first reading. His honest prayer, a cry of anguish, reveals both his vulnerability and his trust in God. He feels betrayed and targeted, yet he clings to God with these powerful words: “But the Lord is with me like a mighty champion… to you I have committed my cause.” (Jeremiah 20:11–12)
Even in the Gospel, we see Jesus, the Son of God Himself, misunderstood, threatened, and nearly stoned—not because He did wrong, but because He spoke truth and revealed the love of the Father.
“If I do not perform my Father’s works, do not believe me; but if I do them, even if you do not believe me, believe the works…” (John 10:37–38)
This is the paradox of divine mission: when we do good, we may still face hostility. But our faithfulness is never wasted. Even if people reject the messenger, God still speaks to the one who longs to be changed.
Jeremiah shows us that it is not wrong to complain to God—our complaints can become powerful prayers. God welcomes our cries. When pain penetrates our soul, prayer must peak in our lives.
When despair tries to drive us from God, our confessions should draw us back in. There is no shame in admitting we are afraid, broken, or exhausted. These honest prayers attract the attention of Heaven.
As the Psalm reminds us: “In my anguish I called to the Lord, and He heard my voice.” (Psalm 18:6)
In times of abandonment and aggression, both Jeremiah and Jesus show us the same response: return to the Father, trust in His justice, and stay rooted in truth.
Accusing God, when done in faith and humility, is not rebellion—it’s relationship. It’s the cry of a child to the Father who loves them.
Let us rise above our doubts and suffering with the power of prayer and unwavering faith. Let us never cease to speak the name of Jesus—not only with our lips but from our hearts.
Even when we are rejected, misunderstood, or weary—God remains our surest protector, our strongest refuge, and our deepest joy. “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13)
May the Lord be your strength and your song today. Have a blessed day. God bless you!