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FRIDAY, SEVENTEENTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME<\/strong><\/p>\r\n \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\r\n Memorial of St. Ignatius of Loyola <\/strong><\/p>\r\n \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\r\n Jer 26: 1-9\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Ps 69: 5, 8-10, 14\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Mt 13: 54-58<\/strong><\/p>\r\n \u00a0<\/p>\r\n HOW CLOSE ARE WE REALLY TO GOD?<\/strong><\/p>\r\n \u00a0<\/p>\r\n The first reading, from prophet Jeremiah, must be understood against the turbulent political, religious, and social climate of late 7th\u2013early 6th century BCE Judah, a period marked by instability and the looming threat of destruction. The Temple, the Land, and the King remained intact and were widely regarded as visible assurances of God\u2019s presence among His people. Many believed these symbols made them feel invulnerable to external threats. Against this backdrop, God commands Jeremiah to stand in the temple courtyard and to deliver a bold, uncompromising message. He is instructed not to \u201cdiminish a word,\u201d meaning he must present God\u2019s message in full, without softening it for acceptance.<\/p>\r\n \u00a0<\/p>\r\n The warning is severe: unless the people repent and follow God\u2019s law, Jerusalem and the temple will suffer the same fate as Shiloh, a once sacred place that had already faced destruction. This comparison would have deeply unsettled listeners, who believed the temple ensured their safety. This prophecy provoked fierce opposition; the people, the priests and other prophets seized Jeremiah and called for his death.<\/p>\r\n \u00a0<\/p>\r\n This passage illuminates three enduring principles. First, it exposes the gap between external practice and internal faith: people continued their temple worship even as their hearts remained distant from God, revealing a disconnect between ritual observance and true obedience. Second, it shows how people respond to God\u2019s word: not with humility and repentance, but with anger and resistance, illustrating that truth is often rejected when it challenges comfort. Third, it underscores the cost of faithfulness \u2014 Jeremiah\u2019s obedience put him in grave danger, reminding us that genuine commitment to God can invite rejection, misunderstanding, and persecution.<\/p>\r\n \u00a0<\/p>\r\n In essence, it speaks of God\u2019s steadfast love, Jeremiah\u2019s courageous fidelity, and Israel\u2019s unfaithfulness. In today\u2019s Gospel passage, Jesus\u2019s response, \u201cA prophet is not without honour except in his own town and in his own home,\u201d captures a deep, timeless truth about human nature and perception. Here is a paradox: those closest to a person often struggle the most to recognise their value, authority, or transformation. Let us know that God privileges truth over comfort and authentic obedience over hollow ritual.<\/p>\r\n \u00a0<\/p>\r\n \r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n \r\n\r\n<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\r\n Response: Lord, in your great love, answer me.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\r\n \r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n Copyright \u00a92013-2026 \u00a9Springs of Living Water\u00a0 http:\/\/springs.carmelmedia.in<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" FRIDAY, SEVENTEENTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME \u00a0 Memorial of St. Ignatius of Loyola \u00a0 Jer 26: 1-9\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Ps 69: 5, 8-10, 14\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Mt 13: 54-58 \u00a0 HOW CLOSE ARE WE REALLY TO GOD? \u00a0 The first reading, from prophet Jeremiah, must be understood against the turbulent political, religious, and social climate of late 7th\u2013early 6th … <\/p>\n
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