BE PREPARED: they will hate you for no reason!
Saturday, 4th week in Lent
Jer 11: 18-20; Jn 7: 40-52
Speaking of the recent killings at the Missionaries of Charity in Yemen, quite a few reports end with the phrase: 'the reasons for the attack are unknown!' Why should a group of people who are with the old, the sickly and the destitute, be killed? Because they were being good? Because they were living their life for others? Or merely because they were doing it all in the name of Jesus?
Jeremiah was hated for living a righteous life. Jesus was hated for the good he was doing and the joy he was bringing to the poor and the oppressed, and moreover because he was from Galilee! The world does not need a reason to hate you. It will find a reason by all means, unless you compromise with it. The moment you stand for what you believe and live in conformity to only what you stand for, you got to be prepared!
Mercy, would have it that even in the face this hatred you continue loving, that you continue doing good, that you do not retaliate nor seek to avenge them some how! The best example is the Cross that shines before us specially during this season, the greatest sign of the power of mercy! Forbearance towards those who do wrong against you, is definitely an act of mercy.
The Mercilent Attitude for today: Be ready and prepared for opposition when you wish to be good; don't compromise!