First Reading - Jeremiah 18:18-20
Gospel - Matthew 20:17-28
The gospel passage is sandwiched between two different themes; passion prediction by Jesus and the request of the posts for James and John by their mother. The request of the posts by the mother of James and John and indignation on the part of the disciples, after hearing the matter, depict the mistaken understanding of the disciples about Jesus who expected him to be a political Messiah for the people of Israel. Jesus, in the beginning of this passage, made a prophecy of his passion but realising the mistaken image of the disciples, once again underlines that he is not a political Messiah rather a suffering Messiah who would die for the salvation of the humanity. Therefore, the disciples are invited to follow Jesus in his suffering and humility as he himself is willing to die in the service of humanity. Hence, Jesus tells his disciples that the humility is to be manifested in the humble service of one another. Thus, the misunderstanding is settled by a simple clarification.
The first reading is a prayer of the suffering Jeremiah. Jeremiah, having known the evil plots of his adversaries who intended to counter the words of his prophecies and trap him in his words, shares his agony with God. The agony of being misunderstood wrenches him greatly as he never wished any evil for his people rather always expected and prayed for their well-being but his people turned against him, paying evil for the good he wished and did for them. He bares open his heart to God so that he may be comforted at this situation of distress.
Dear friends, it's heart-wrenching to be misunderstood and misinterpreted. It grieves greatly, if our good works, good will, and good wishes are returned with evil plots and evil wishes by people. There are many instances when in such situations people take extreme actions to the extent of killing themselves. The readings of today teach us two modes of actions for such situations: firstly, Jesus teaches us through the gospel that when faced with such situations of being misunderstood, misjudged and miscalculated, we should try to make it right rather than remain excited or sad about it. When he himself was misunderstood by people, it was a bit bearable but when misunderstood by his own closest friends that was an agonizing experience for him but he clarified it to his disciples and made them understand what he would have to accomplish and who he was.
Secondly, through Jeremiah, we learn that when we are confronted by such a bad experiences of being misunderstood and misjudged despite our good works, we should pray for the courage from the Lord and offer it to Him, believing that He will put everything right at the right time. However, we should never cease to do good works because of the criticisms or troubles on the way; the Lord who begins the good works will certainly bring the good works to its completion by His own ways. Thus, we need to trust in God like Jeremiah.
Let's pray that may God may help to remain steadfast and strong even through the thickest situations of our lives.
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