Down Time

I hear the whisperings of many: “Terror on every side! Denounce! let us denounce him!” All those who were my friends are on the watch for any misstep of mine. “Perhaps he will be trapped; then we can prevail and take our vengeance on him.”

But the LORD is with me, like a mighty champion: my persecutors will stumble, they will not triumph. In their failure they will be put to utter shame, to lasting, unforgettable confusion.

O LORD of hosts, you who test the just, who probe mind and heart, Let me witness the vengeance you take on them, for to you I have entrusted my cause. Sing to the LORD, praise the LORD, For he has rescued the life of the poor from the power of the wicked! (Jeremiah 20:10-13)

Jeremiah’s description of the Lord as his champion is heartening because it seems to apply to all of us beset by the wicked and subject to their power.  They watch for any of our missteps and are ready to pounce.  Sounds like the 2024 Presidential campaign and politics in general. 

Sounds like Pope Francis as he prepares for this fall’s Synod. He is faced with “terror on every side” and the cry: “Let us denounce him!”  Shameful!  Fortunately, the LORD is with him, like a mighty champion: his persecutors will stumble, they will not triumph.  That is my hope. 

Stay healthy Francis! Get some down time for prayer and rest.  Perhaps you could sit with Jesus to feed scraps to the dogs.  He and the dogs would appreciate your company.

Deacon David Pierce