38th Day of Lent: April 11, 2014: “ He delivers the needy from the hand of the evildoers” (Jer.20:13)

  

38^th  Day

  of 

Lent:

April 11, 2014:"He delivers the needy from the hand of   the evildoers”

                                                                           (Jer.20:13)         

In the recent school tragedy in Pittsburg, utter fear and loneliness was written all over the faces of anxious parents. Their children were slashed by one of their own classmates for some unknown reason.

The panic stricken family members who flocked the area hospital anxiously and desperately looking for their loved ones after the Boston Bombing last year are clear reminders of the fear and loneliness that we all face at times in our life’s drama. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=01yDXOdrko0

How do we respond to such situations like when we are wronged by our friends, family, community, siblings, for no fault of ours? 

It is really heartbreaking to face such situations in life. There is a sense of utter sadness, fear and loneliness we face. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ElVC6rfX3Z8

Jeremiah was being denounced by all his friends and in desperation he feels vengeance towards them. But ultimately he places his trust in the Lord ‘who delivers the needy’. 

How often I too have withdrawn to sanctuary, the quietness, solitude, to commune with God to tell it all in complete honesty that I am scared, fearful, lonely, and afraid. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5EfejDF85QI

Jesus too never hesitated to tell God the Father, "take this cup away from me" but eventually surrendered to God’s plan by saying "it is not my will but yours be done".

Gregory of Nyssa once said, “Those who receive strength from the Light and great power and authority over their enemies like well-trained athletes, stripping to confront their opponents with courage and confidence”. 

Life offers a lot of pain, tragedy, betrayals from friends, suffering, hopelessness, devastation, misunderstandings, and what not. 

In the prayer of quiet we should gain ‘Light, power and authority’ from the Master who mastered his adversaries despite all the rejections, persecutions, and objections. 

As the psalmist tells us, "In my anguish I called to the Lord, and He heard me” (Ps. 18:2). 

The amazing recovery of all the wounded in Boston Bombing is clear testament of the courage and confidence that they received from the Lord who delivers the needy. 

Lent is a time to overcome  the darkness we feel at times by the Light of prayer.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AxB9VH3cCN4

God Bless you always!

Sincerely Yours,
Rev. Fr. Cyriac Chandy Mattathilanickal, MS

Wishing you and yours A Holy Lent!

Rev. Fr. Tom Puthusseril, M.S.

Shrine Director

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