Today's gospel presents us with a picture of a person under pressure. After an initially favourable reaction on the part of the people of Galilee to his preaching and healing, opposition to Jesus, mainly exhibited by some of the religious leaders, began to grow. It increased as Jesus neared his Passion.

St Paul tells us that Jesus was like us in all things but sin. It is part of our faith that Jesus was completely human. It must have been very hurtful to him to have been watched with high suspicion and to have been opposed by powerful people who were keen to thwart him at every turn. He showed pain and frustration at being unable to share in word and action his message of love for his people.

Many biblical commentators see the first reading as a direct forecast of the kind of reception which Jesus, the pre-eminently Just One, would receive.

In these days of Lent, it would be good if we could find time to pray for all those noble men and women who follow their consciences in endeavouring to work for a better world. Driven by their commitment, they work for those in need, who have no other source of help. They too will be met with suspicion, calumny and outright persecution. They need our prayers. As a return gift, they may attract us to imitate them and the Master they so generously follow.

Heavenly Father, we entrust to our care all those who imitate Your Son by serving those in need.