Jeremiah 20:10-13 / John 10:31-42
A hero is often associated with courage and bravery, outstanding achievements as well as noble qualities.
The general impression is that a hero has strength, much like those super-heroes that are portrayed in movies, and that in the end, the hero is the winner.
And of course there are those unsung ordinary and common heroes who persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming difficulties and obstacles.
The prophet Jeremiah, in the 1st reading, does not give the impression of being a hero or being associated as a hero.
But he certainly had to endure much persecution and dangers for being a prophet.
And it was in his prophetic role that he showed us who his real hero is when he said, "The Lord is at my side, a mighty hero."
Yes, the Lord God is his hero, who delivers the soul of the needy from the hands of evil men.
So even if we have outstanding qualities like courage or bravery, physical or mental strength, perseverance or dedication, there is one thing that we should know.
Even if others were to call us a hero, we know that we can't do one thing, and that is we can't save ourselves, no matter what our heroic deeds may be.
Indeed the Lord our God is our hero, our mighty stronghold, our Saviour, who can do much more for us than we can ever think of.
So let us not be afraid of difficulties or obstacles, or even persecutions or dangers.
Through it all, may we realise that we need the Lord, who will come to be at our side, a mighty hero.
It is only when we are needy and that we are no heroes, that the Lord our God will show us that He will deliver us from whatever difficulties and obstacles, whatever persecution and danger.