Straw, Sticks, Bricks

August 29, Friday
Memorial of the Passion of Saint John the Baptist

First Reading: Jeremiah 1:17-19

But you, gird up your loins; stand up and tell them everything that I command you. Do not break down before them, or I will break you before them.  And I for my part have made you today a fortified city, an iron pillar, and a bronze wall against the whole land, against the kings of Judah, its officials, its priests, and the people of the land. They will fight against you, but they shall not prevail against you, for I am with you, says the Lord, to deliver you.”

Reflection

In the classic fairy tale of three little pigs, each pig builds a little house in the hopes of protecting themselves from the big bad wolf. The first two pigs build their houses out of straw and sticks, which are no match for the huffing and puffing of the big bad wolf.  The third pig wisely builds a house made of brick, and thus saves himself and his brothers from the big bad wolf. 

All the “big bads” of the world have been encroaching on my safe spaces. I thought I lived in a house full of bricks, but lately it feels like it’s crumbling like a house of straw. How can I protect myself and my loved ones from forces in the community, nation and world that are far beyond my control? 

In today’s first reading, God reminds Jeremiah that with his protection, he will be made stronger than “a fortified city.”  When we are faithful in following God, we will receive the power of iron, bronze, and steel. These powerful materials are meant to withstand the elements. No matter how big the monsters are outside, they will be no match for the fortress God has built around us. We will remain safely tucked inside the heart of Christ.

Prayer
O Jesus, through the Immaculate Heart of Mary,
I offer you my prayers, works, joys, and sufferings of this day
for all the intentions of your Sacred Heart
in union with the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass throughout the world,
for the salvation of souls, the reparation of sins, the reunion of all Christians,
and in particular for the intentions of the Holy Father this month.
Amen.

(Written in 1844 by Fr. François-Xavier Gautrelet; found in Catholic Household Blessings and Prayers, pg. 48)

Read more on JesuitPrayer.org