Cardinal Carlo Martini says of Jeremiah that "he is a very modern figure because he is a prophet who speaks in a society that does not listen, just like our modern society." (A Prophetic Voice in the City, Chp 8). In today's First Reading, Jeremiah complains of his suffering because he wants God's word to be revered and yet He is not taken seriously. People listen but ignore His message. In fact, they turn against Him: "they are digging a pit for me" (18:20).

Jeremiah was a reluctant prophet. His love of God was so passionate he had to prophesy God's message of woe even though he suffered opposition through it all. His relationship with God was so intimate he would burst out against Him in irritation and near despair, yet the bond of faith was such that he continued to serve his Lord.

In other words, Jeremiah was one who could "drink of the cup." In Jesus' time, He asked of the sons of Zebedee, "Can you drink of the cup I am going to drink?" (Mt:20:22). Without hesitation, they replied that they could. One wonders if they knew what their answer meant. Did they understand that the cup they were to drink was a cup of sorrow and bitterness, what was called "the cup of the wine of wrath" (Jer:25:16ff)?

Yet this cup of suffering, when offered and shared, would become a cup of blessing, the cup of the new Covenant.