Jesus and Jeremiah: Courage and Strength

As we begin a new job, a new relationship, or a new commitment we look forward to the possibilities which we can envision. At the same time we look for encouragement and assurance as we face challenges both foreseen and unforeseen. Jesus experienced this as much as any one of us. We have heard of His Baptism, His first sign at Cana, and His return to Nazareth. Instead of acceptance, assurance, and support, He experiences rejection, anger, and even an attempt upon His life. This is very similar to what Jeremiah experienced and what we can experience. When we experience rejection and anger as we seek to be faithful to the mission of Jesus, we need to find the same source of strength and courage which sustained both Jeremiah and Jesus. Furthermore, we need to imitate their example in dealing with that opposition. There is a strong temptation to respond with self- righteous stubbornness or with acquiescence. If we turn to the Spirit to discern the guidance of Jesus then we can be faithful to our mission, to Jesus, and to our best selves.