The people of Judah and the citizens of Jerusalem said,
‘Come, let us contrive a plot against Jeremiah…
let us destroy him by his own tongue; let us carefully note his every word.’
— Jeremiah 18:18-20, from today’s first reading

Plots like these weren’t limited to Jeremiah’s time.  Jesus was also the victim of schemes and betrayals.  Even today, fear leads to exclusion and even violence.

Is anyone that I know being plotted against unjustly?  Are they excluded by the more secure or the more popular?  What’s my role?  Am I a force for their exclusion, or for their liberation?

Take some time to reflect on these questions in light of today’s gospel reading.  Start here and click on “Begin the Prayer”.