"In my distress I called upon the Lord..."

Friday of the Fifth Week of Lent
​Readings may be found here
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​In our first reading from Jeremiah and in the gospel passage from John today, we have an intentional parallel between both of these rejected and persecuted prophets. We also see that glimmer of hope – even as the Lord Jesus provokes deadly opposition, some among His listeners are pierced to the heart. They respond with belief. This sign and the confidence of Jeremiah who knows that the Lord will not abandon him remind us that God brings light from darkness.
 
That is the faith expressed so beautifully in Psalm 18 today. Of course, Psalms are prayers as much as they are scripture and we would do well to spend some time today with this resonant prayer. It gives voice to the person in the greatest danger, the most fearful circumstances. It cries out with confidence in the saving power of the Lord and finds there a “rock,” a “stronghold,” and “salvation.” A good prayer for us in the midst of the storm.

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