Reflection for Trinity 2, Sunday 21 June 2020. Jeremiah 20:7-13; Matthew 10:24-39

Winning the battle of life

Today would have been Thaxted's Patronal Festival, when not only would we have enjoyed some special music at the Sunday service, but the evening before the Morris men would lead a procession from the school to the church. John the Baptist is of course our patron saint who lived a very frugal lifestyle. From time to time most of us find the present restrictions such as social distancing irritating, but of course they are necessary. Perhaps we can take some comfort from the fact that whatever has happened, none of us are reduced to eating locusts and wild honey! John did not live rough for his own gratification but because he had a crucial message to proclaim that came from no less than Almighty God.

Our first lesson comes from Jeremiah, he was a faithful prophet of the Lord, but at times a reluctant one! Indeed, when he was first called, he claimed that he was "still only a child" but God told him that he was indeed chosen and to "get on with it!" The prophet was called to give some vital home truths, but as a result became deeply unpopular and was at the receiving end of plenty of abuse, both physical and verbal.

We find Jeremiah at a particularly low ebb. He is even saying that he has been deceived by God and also that even his friends are mocking him. But, somehow, he pulls himself together and recognises that he simply cannot ignore the Almighty's call. It is as he says like "a fire burning in my bones". So, he manages to pull himself together and carries on. The end of the reading sees the prophet praising God, once more assured of the Almighty's goodness and providence.

Jesus in today's Gospel proclaims "those who lose their lives for my sake will find it". a strange sounding statement to secular 21st century ears! Those however whose lives are superficial, those whose attitude is "me, me, me" who do not care about anyone else and ride roughshod over others to get what they want will never be satisfied.

Our Saviour here is preparing his disciples for the time ahead. He himself had to put up with all sorts of misunderstandings, accidental or deliberate. Going around healing people and preaching words of comfort, and then finding yourself described as "Beelzebul" i.e the devil, must have been very hard to bear. Jesus warns the apostles that they too ran the risk of being misunderstood but assures them that they are very much valued by the Father "even the very hairs of your head are numbered".

It is this kind of encouragement that makes the Christian pilgrimage through life truly worthwhile. For those who follow Christ faithfully, and who are prepared to endure a few knocks for his sake, will find, much to their joy and amazement, that their lives are much more satisfying and fulfilling. This is the true joy of our new being with Jesus.

Adrian Wright