1 April 2017
Saturday of the Fourth Week of Lent
“Lord, my God, I take shelter in you.” So we repeat in today’s responsorial psalm. This sentiment echoes through the two readings. I will read it and reread it today asking the lord to give me the confidence it expresses.
What stunning confidence in God is expressed throughout the psalm and how confidently Jeremiah repeats it in his prayer. He describes how Jesus will approach his passion and death. Confidence. Do I really have confidence in the Father’s love for me? Does my confidence in him enable me to weigh the problems I have to face each day? Do I ever pray that confidence be given me at the hour of my death?
One other important lesson: In the Gospel we are introduced to Nicodemus, a Pharisee, yet an upright man who courageously sought the truth. Do I know any Nicodemuses among the apparent enemies of Christ today? Do I pray for them, sympathize with them, encourage them?
May the Lord give them a portion of that confidence I seek for myself.