Mar
20
2019
By Anonymous (not verified)
The Marian Fathers present this Lenten devotional series to help you prepare to receive graces on Easter and Divine Mercy Sunday.
Readings: Jer 18:18-20; Ps 31:5-6, 14, 15-16; Mt 20:17-28
Diary: 177, 1074, 1190
"Come, let us contrive a plot against Jeremiah ...."
- Jer 18:18
Jeremiah had begged for mercy on behalf of the people of Judah and the citizens of Jerusalem. Now, the same people he defended are plotting against him.
Jeremiah had the unenviable task of delivering an unpopular message. The children of Israel didn't want to hear they were sinners, and they certainly didn't want to hear about impending punishments if they didn't repent.
Does he stop giving them God's message so they'll leave him alone? Not Jeremiah. He says that if he tries to contain the word of the Lord, the word becomes like fire in his heart and he is unable to hold it in (see Jer 20:9).
In today's Gospel reading, Jesus also faces plots against His life. He prophecies His suffering, Death, and Resurrection. In Jesus' revelations to St. Faustina, He describes a suffering similar to Jeremiah's:
Readings: Jer 18:18-20; Ps 31:5-6, 14, 15-16; Mt 20:17-28
Diary: 177, 1074, 1190
"Come, let us contrive a plot against Jeremiah ...."
- Jer 18:18
Jeremiah had begged for mercy on behalf of the people of Judah and the citizens of Jerusalem. Now, the same people he defended are plotting against him.
Jeremiah had the unenviable task of delivering an unpopular message. The children of Israel didn't want to hear they were sinners, and they certainly didn't want to hear about impending punishments if they didn't repent.
Does he stop giving them God's message so they'll leave him alone? Not Jeremiah. He says that if he tries to contain the word of the Lord, the word becomes like fire in his heart and he is unable to hold it in (see Jer 20:9).
In today's Gospel reading, Jesus also faces plots against His life. He prophecies His suffering, Death, and Resurrection. In Jesus' revelations to St. Faustina, He describes a suffering similar to Jeremiah's:
The flames of mercy are burning me. I desire to pour them out upon human souls. Oh, what pain they cause Me when they do not want to accept them! (Diary, 1074).
There was a cost for bringing us mercy. Are we grateful?
Prayer: Lord Jesus, may I always be truly grateful to receive You in Holy Communion. Pour Your mercy into my heart!
Missed a day? See previous "From Ashes to Mercy" daily meditations.
ddburg
