17th Week in Ordinary Time (B) : Friday 2nd August 2024

God wishes Jeremiah to preach His message without omitting a single word, and with the hope that the people might listen, and that God might relent from the promised judgement. The warning is: if they will not observe the Law and listen to the words of His prophet, the Temple will end up like Shiloh, which was overrun by the Philistines, and the city of Jerusalem will become a curse word among the nations of the earth.

This message does not go down well with those who hear it. Most people think he is being disloyal to Judah. Perhaps they think that he wants these things to happen. Thus, we see the dangerous vocation of the prophet.

In the same way, Jesus is not exempted from being disliked. His own villagers question His wisdom and miraculous power. They think they know Him and His family. They would not accept Him or His message. Jesus must have been very disappointed with them to the point that He said, “A prophet is only despised in his own country and in his own house.” (Mt 13:57)

Sometimes when we have to challenge someone to change his/her ways, we are like prophets who are not well liked. Do we have the perseverance that is needed? Do we rely on God for further steps on how to proceed? Or do we rely on our own pride and strength?

O God, help me to be Your prophetic voice in the midst of confusion.