Friday of the Fifth Week of Lent
This past Wednesday, March 24, was the memorial of St. Oscar Romero, Archbishop of San Salvador who was martyred in 1980 and canonized in 2018. Shot and killed at the altar while saying Mass, he was said to have anticipated this violent end to his life as he stood in solidarity with the poor of his country. In his words, “One who is committed to the poor must risk the same fate as the poor. And in El Salvador we know what the fate of the poor signifies: to disappear, to be tortured, to be captive, and to be found dead.” This awareness did not stop Oscar Romero from continuing to live the life of discipleship to which he was called. However, this was not without struggle. A conversion of heart occurred even while Romero was bishop. Similarly, while not without struggle, risk of death did not stop Jeremiah or Jesus.
We hear in the first reading that the prophet Jeremiah struggled knowing his life was on the line. Today’s passage (20:10-13) comes from his prayer that scripture scholars have titled “Jeremiah’s Interior Crisis.” The passage leading up to today’s gives us further insight into his conflict, “The word of the Lord has brought me derision and reproach all the day. I say to myself, I will not mention him, I will speak in his name no more. But then it becomes like fire burning in my heart, imprisoned in my bones; I grow weary holding it in, I cannot endure it.” (vs 8-9) He is tempted to turn his back on his call to prophesy against those in power, but he cannot.
And we are reminded in today’s gospel reading (John 10:31-42) that Jesus’ words and life were threatening to the religious leaders of his time. In today’s passage he evades their intentions to stone him, but as we approach Holy Week we are very aware of his agony in the garden and eventual crucifixion. Not without inner turmoil, but with complete surrender and trust.
So where are we in all of this? Where in my life am I called to trust and surrender even when it may mean losing my very life, at least the life that I currently know, wish to have, or am comfortable with? What is my unique call and how am I responding? Am I willing to be honest in prayer about my own inner conflict?
We are not alone. Let us pray today, through the intercession of St. Romero, for the courage and strength to answer the call of discipleship no matter the cost. For our faith tells us that the cross is not the end; it is only the beginning.
~Eileen Miller