God's got our back

Readings for Friday March 26, 2010

First Reading: Jeremiah 20:10-13
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 18
Gospel: John 10:31-42


I hear the whisperings of many: “Terror on every side! Denounce! let us denounce him!” All those who were my friends are on the watch for any misstep of mine. “Perhaps he will be trapped; then we can prevail, and take our vengeance on him.” But the LORD is with me, like a mighty champion: my persecutors will stumble, they will not triumph. In their failure they will be put to utter shame, to lasting, unforgettable confusion. O LORD of hosts, you who test the just, who probe mind and heart, Let me witness the vengeance you take on them, for to you I have entrusted my cause. Sing to the LORD, praise the LORD, For he has rescued the life of the poor from the power of the wicked! (Jer 20:10-13)

What if you were to walk around by yourself one night in a very rough neighborhood of a big city, like Chicago or New York. Wouldn't you be kind of afraid? You would probably walk really fast, with your head constantly looking around for trouble. Needless to say, you would be walking with fear. Now let's say your in that same city at the same time of night, but instead of being by yourself, you are surrounded by an escort of Navy SEALS. You might start walking a little differently, in fact you might even start feeling so secure that you get a little strut going. Naturally even though you are still in that same rough neighborhood, you now have an entourage that makes you feel protected and secure.

It is this same feeling of being protected and of security that we should feel from God. Because we have a "mighty champion" that is more powerful than any military force or power here on earth. Having God by our side, means having the Creator of the Universe by our side looking out for us and helping us through all things. It is safe to say that God has always got our back. Like we see in the readings today, no matter what Jeremiah or Jesus were faced with, God was always there looking out for them. No matter who was plotting what, God is always there watching over and protecting His children. That is not to say that we will never go through hardship, but through it all God is there ready to bring a greater good out of any difficult situation that we go through.

There may be times when we feel alone or abandoned, and it is important to remember that through these trials we are never alone, but rather we are given a blessing to be able to trust and depend on God even more. Like any good Father, He never leaves His children, and He always has got our back.

Father above, we thank you and praise you for the gift of this day. Lord, thank you for all that you have blessed us with in our lives. Lord, we are not deserving of your great gifts, but you still pour them out to us. Help us to live our lives as you have planned so perfectly, and help us not to take things for granted. Lord, you are our God and we are your people. We love you adn thank you for always beign there for us. Please forgive us for all the times that we fall short, help us never to give up, and to persever until the end. We ask this all through Christ our Lord. Amen.