St John Ogilve SJ | Wednesday 10 March
Today is Wednesday, the 10 March, the feast of St John Ogilve, in the third week of Ordinary time.
Ladysmith Black Mambazo sing: ‘We Nhliziyo yami’: ‘O my heart be wise when your enemies surround you. Keep praying; ask the Lord for help. For he is powerful. That is your weapon; do not lose it. Pray without ceasing, for the Lord is powerful.’
Today’s reading is from the Prophet Isaiah.
Isaiah 50:5-9
The Lord God has opened my ear,
and I was not rebellious,
I did not turn backwards.
I gave my back to those who struck me,
and my cheeks to those who pulled out the beard;
I did not hide my face
from insult and spitting.
The Lord God helps me;
therefore I have not been disgraced;
therefore I have set my face like flint,
and I know that I shall not be put to shame;
he who vindicates me is near.
Who will contend with me?
Let us stand up together.
Who are my adversaries?
Let them confront me.
It is the Lord God who helps me;
who will declare me guilty?
All of them will wear out like a garment;
the moth will eat them up.
In the first part of our reading, we hear what happened when the Lord opened Isaiah’s ear: he was not rebellious or backwards, but turned the other cheek to his persecutors; he didn’t hide his face from those who insulted him or spat on him. Such courage may be given by God at times of persecution. What do these verses stir in you?
Do you remember a time when God opened your ears, and you knew that he was with you, was real to you perhaps, in a difficult situation?
‘The Lord God helps me…’ As you hear the reading again, listen out particularly for this phrase, and notice how it resonates in you.
Talk to God now about the ways that you need his help today. Can you picture Jesus, standing beside you as you face any challenges that might arise today or tomorrow.
You have given all to me. To you, Lord, I return it. Everything is yours; do with it what you will. Give me only your love and your grace,
that is enough for me.