Today’s readings are full of fear and hate. https://bible.usccb.org/readings/calendar. Jeremiah fears for his life because even his friends are waiting to pounce on him. Jesus is about to be stoned because of his words. The hate is palpable. But the psalmist reassures us that the Lord God is a rock of refuge, our salvation, our stronghold and that our cry is always heard. In the midst of this pandemic and the mass shootings, it is difficult not to feel the hate and fear closing in on us. And truthfully, we are given no promises. This is when I only ask for strength, that I don’t lose faith. How this will all resolve itself is not in my hands. I am not God, and it is good to be reminded of that. What is required is faith, as unsatisfying as that may be. Pray for strength. “Be my rock, Lord. Help my unbelief. Deepen my faith.” Image from Christiany.com
