5th WEEK OF LENT (A) : Friday, 27th March 2026

In today’s reading, both Jeremiah and Jesus face hostility. Jeremiah hears whispers, threats and plots against him. Jesus is surrounded by those who misunderstand Him, and are ready to stone Him. Yet neither walks in fear. Their strength and courage come from a deep conviction that God is with them. Jeremiah, despite being surrounded by enemies, declares, “The Lord is at my side, a mighty hero.” He does not conceal his fear, rather he refuses to let fear conquer him. He remembers that God has been saving and protecting faithful men and women in the past.

In the Gospel, Jesus remains calm and firmly lives up to His identity as God’s Son. When questioned and rejected, He does not run away or retaliate. He stands firm in the Father’s presence, knowing that His mission and His life are held by God. Even when people try to seize Him, “he eluded them,” because His hour has not yet come.

These readings remind us that putting faith in God does not spare us from facing persecution and hardship. We may encounter misunderstanding, pressure or moments of deep loneliness. Yet like Jeremiah and Jesus, we can rest in this truth: God is with us. We are never alone. When we feel surrounded by enemies, God surrounds us more. When we are weak, God stands beside us, giving us strength. And when we walk forward, even with trembling steps, God walks with us, supporting us and nourishing us.

PRAYER:   O God, I abide in You as You abide in me.