Jeremiah 11:18-20 / John 7:40-52
The Bible, as we know, is the Word of God, and in it is the revealed truth of God.
Furthermore, the gospels are called the Good News because it announces the good news of salvation in Jesus Christ.
Yet if a non-Catholic is attending Mass for the first time and listens to the Bible passages that we just heard, he may end up wondering.
Just what kind of message is the Bible giving? In the 1st reading there was scheming, plotting, being led to the slaughter-house, destruction, as well as vengeance.
Then in the gospel there is argument and confusion and arrogance.
Of course it is not fair to just take today's Bible passages and say that there is nothing uplifting or inspiring about the Bible.
Yet the first line in the 1st reading may give us enough to think about - The Lord revealed it to me; I was warned.
Yes, the Lord reveals to us in the Bible that as much as there is evil and wickedness in the world, yet in the end He will pronounce a just sentence and He will also vindicate the good people who are faithful to Him.
The sinfulness and the wickedness of the world will certainly make us shudder and quiver.
But in this Eucharist, let us receive strength and courage from the Lord and let us take the response for the Responsorial Psalm - Lord God, I take refuge in you.