Troubles for the Just

The Marian Fathers present this Lenten devotional series to help you prepare to receive graces on Easter and Divine Mercy Sunday.

Readings: Wis 2:1A, 12-22; Ps 34:17-18, 19-20, 21 and 23; Jn 7:1-2, 10, 25-30
Diary: 92, 303, 1579

"They tried to arrest him." - Jn 7:30

There's an old Yiddish saying: "If God lived on earth, they would break his windows."

Today, the Book of Wisdom tells us about the wicked plotting against the "just one." He's "obnoxious" to them because he "reproaches us for transgressions of the law, and charges us with violations of our training."

How do the "just" persevere in saying and doing what is right? They receive consolation. Today's psalm tells us:

The LORD is close to the brokenhearted; and those who are crushed in spirit he saves. Many are the troubles of the just man, but out of them all the LORD delivers him.

Like the prophets sent before Him, Jesus faces opposition. Even while He is teaching in the Temple area, He knows the murmurings going on around Him.

Feeling oppressed? Especially if you're performing a good work? It's to be expected! In her Diary, St. Faustina offers these words of encouragement:

Oh, if only the suffering soul knew how it is loved by God, it would die of joy and excess of happiness! Someday, we will know the value of suffering, but then we will no longer be able to suffer. The present moment is ours (963).

Prayer: My dear Jesus, help me to persevere in love when I face times of difficulty.

Missed a day? See previous "From Ashes to Mercy" daily meditations.