Reading and meditation on the Word of God on Saturday of the fourth week of Lent, April 5, 2025

Delivered by Father Peter Tukan, SDB from Salesian Don Bosco Gerak in the Diocese of Labuan Bajo, Indonesia. Jeremiah 11: 18-20; Rs psalm 7: 2-3.9bc-10.11-12; John 7: 40-53RISKS EXPRESSED Our meditation today has the theme: Risks Expressed.The newlywed couple was watching a video of the life-and-death struggle ofmembers of the military forces on the battlefield. The husband, who is amilitary man, and his wife understand very well that the risk must be faced,considering in a couple of days the husband would leave for the battlefield.The risk was shown so that he and his wife were spiritually prepared to bearthe reality behind the risk. As a result, each of them was strong and sincereto support each other, and the wife allowed her husband to leave to fulfillstate duties. The prophet Jeremiah had a special calling from God,as did Jesus Christ; they carried out the mission entrusted by God. Along withthis, the Father in heaven also told them that for the fulfillment of theentrusted mission, they would pass through obstacles, threats of violence, andpersecution. In this aspect, our two figures are shown in the scriptures likeslaughtered sheep that are brought to the slaughterhouse and sacrificed. Godtold them so clearly, that both Jeremiah and Jesus Christ were mentally andspiritually prepared to face it. The result of this notification from God clearlybenefits the persecuted party, because God guarantees His participation and allthe arrangements according to His will. But on the part of the persecutors,there is chaos because of anger, hatred, and evil within them that areconditioned by interests that divide them. The Pharisees and scribes were notin agreement about their evil plans. This simply represents the fact that everyform of evil plan and action will never be colored by a state of comfort or tranquility,but instead a chaotic atmosphere of mind and soul. God is always telling us what will happen in relationto our choices, commitments, faith, and vocations, work or ministry. He tellsus in various ways and through various intermediaries. It is He who chooses andcalls us, then entrusts to each of us or together, the type of responsibilityand work. It also means that He is the one who puts in our consciousness andbelief not only the goals we achieve, but even more so the risks that we willface.  There can be no risks or side effects from any of ourwork or services. But because we are already enlightened by faith about this,we are made to move forward with confidence that God will accompany and guideus. The hope is that our thoughts, words, and actions are always in the lightof God. This is our spiritual preparation.Let us pray. In the name of the Father... O God of all wisdom,illuminate our steps in life at all times. Hail Mary full of grace... In thename of the Father...