In the first reading we are given a glimpse of the private prayer of the much maligned prophet, Jeremiah. As is true for all prophets, there task is not so much to tell the future but to tell the interpretation of the present in the light of all that God has some for us.

Briefly it is a story for Israel as for each of us that we have been chosen by God and endowed with effective and saving grace which we must choose to make use of or not. When Jeremiah stands up before the people with this proclamation, they are under siege and being overwhelmed by a massive invasion force.

As he speaks suddenly and for no apparent reason the invasion force retreats. Israel is able to breathe a sigh of relief but their sigh turns to smugness and self-assurance instead of gratitude for what God has done for them.

Jeremiah and Jesus have often been identified with each other because of the similarities in the sufferings they have received from the hands of those who disagree with them. Jesus also and more importantly echoes pain and confidence in the face of such trials.

This first clearly complements the encouraging words of Jesus to the newly commissioned Twelve in today's gospel: As they begin their first missionary journey, Jesus tells them to remain steadfast, vigilant, but not to be intimidated by anything not even the threat of death. Isn't that an awful lot to ask of anyone, especially novices who are just beginning to learn how be disciples. Is it any wonder Jesus lost so many?

In the second part of the gospel Jesus reminds them of the comforting love of the Father that is so far greater than any threat or danger. We all know people who have experienced suffering and do not succumb to bitterness and resignation. Something continues to enable them to remain connected with love for life, caring for others and maintaining joyful hope; while others respond with bitterness or anger. We see them allover our highways. Some suffer to such a dramatic degree that we wonder how they could endure it, much less look beyond it, to the face and arms of a loving father. And still there are those who turn away for the message of mercy is just to difficult.

In the second reading Paul is trying to tell us that sin and the effects of our sinfulness, powerful as they are evaporate in comparison to the glory of Jesus victory. Christ power to the church sacramentally in Reconciliation and to each individual in the love of the heart renders sin completely powerless.

He is urging us to be more concerned not about betraying a mission but in loosing contact and relationship with God and our inner soul. If we loose connection with Christ, we can lose our way for all eternity.

If we truly believed this gospel we profess it makes one wonder why we are so obsessed sin; and what a different world we could make in our relationships if we were obsessed with mercy.

There is this English translation of an old French poem from Brittany whence came the first sailors who settled Acadia and later Quebec .

0 lord the sea is large and my boat is small. It is so difficult to pray with that much trust; but a trusting spirit is worth cultivating.

Our boat is small but just the right size. The sea is large but not too large.

God's grace abounds It abounds for all who want it. The grace of God is not stingy, nor should we be stingy in our gratitude.