hope in the midst of trials
Jesus "will not contend or cry out, nor will His voice be heard in the streets. The bruised reed He will not crush; the smoldering wick He will not quench until judgment is made victorious." —Matthew 12:19-20
There are many evil things occurring right now. Family farmers, home owners, and many others are being victimized by subtle maneuvers (see Mi 2:1ff). Also, plots are being hatched (see Mt 12:14), people are being tortured, children are being aborted, and many other sins are being committed. This can be discouraging, but there's much more taking place.
Jesus is peacefully, quietly, and gently working to apply the fruits of His redemption. If we are baptized into Jesus, our lives are hidden with Christ in God (Col 3:3). We in Christ are also living and working, and the smallest details of our lives are charged with power because we are God's children living in Him and part of the communion of saints. Great evils are taking place in our midst, but a greater grace is also at work (see Rm 5:20-21). Therefore, we have every reason to be full of hope in the name of Jesus (Mt 12:21).
Prayer: Father, in the midst of evil fill me with hope.
Promise: "Here is My Servant Whom I have chosen, My loved One in Whom I delight. I will endow Him with My spirit." —Mt 12:18
Praise: St. Lawrence once found himself in a town with no Catholic Church and so walked forty miles to get to Mass.
Reference: (For a related teaching on Developing A Deep Personal Relationship With Jesus, order, listen to or download our CD 52-1 or DVD 52 on our website.)
Rescript: †Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, February 27, 2018
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