It is a bad day for the prophet Jeremiah. Obeying God’s command to prophesy the coming downfall of Jerusalem, he has run afoul of Pashhur, the chief of the temple police, who has him scourged and placed in the stocks (Jer. 20:1-2). The more he tells the truth, the more opposition and persecution he faces. In his deep discouragement, Jeremiah dares to accuse God of “duping” him into becoming a prophet—the message of impending destruction has consumed him, to the point that if he tries to keep silent, “it become like fire burning in my heart, imprisoned in my bones; I grow weary holding it in, I cannot endure it” (v.9). 

A pity for Jeremiah, but surely such things are in the past, aren’t they? The twelve apostles might have thought so when summoned by Jesus to carry out their first evangelistic mission. After all, their Rabbi was a healer, adored by the crowds, hailed as the promised Messiah. But Jesus strips them of their illusions quickly. “Beware of people, for they will hand you over to courts and scourge you in their synagogues…” (Matt. 10:17). If the religious leaders have been accusing Jesus of being in league with Satan, how much more will they revile and persecute his followers (v.25)? And we know that Jesus’ followers did go on to face all of these hardships and more, even unto death. 

In the midst of the sufferings of Jeremiah and the apostles, Jesus nevertheless says: “Do not be afraid of them” (v.26). The disciples must recognize that their true enemy is not the Pharisees or the chief priests or the   Roman authorities, but rather the malevolent forces of evil who are eager to “destroy both soul and body in Gehenna” (v.28). And secondly, they must remember that they are known by God the Father, known down to the number of hairs on their head (v.30). We suffer now, but one day all that is currently concealed and secret will be revealed (v.26). On that day, Jesus’ true followers will shine like stars. 

Reflection by Parishioner Kathryn Wilmotte