Jeremiah (11:18-20) uttered his prophecies in the 7th century BCE when Israel was under siege from Babylon. Jeremiah’s prophetic statements were not appreciated by the powers. Jeremiah, like a trusting lamb, does not realize that they want to do away with him. It seems that people do not like dire messages of reform and repentance from prophets in any age. Jeremiah places his trust, not in his own power and words, but in God. He looks to God to deliver him from his enemies.
Religious leaders really have not changed much over the centuries. This week Archbishop Allen Vigneron of Detroit issued a sweeping condemnation of the American Catholic Council which will meet in Detroit on Pentecost weekend 2011 to reclaim the heritage of Vatican II. It is interesting that, like the Pharisees of every generation, he never define s specific “heresies” endorsed by the ACC (http://www.aodonline.org/AODOnline/News%20%20%20Publications%202203/Press%20Releases%202303/2010%2017543/ACCStatement.htm). Thinking he is some kind of feudal lord who can control every event in his fiefdom of Detroit, the Archbishop has had the unmitigated gall to ask the ACC not to meet in Detroit. When ACC meets in Detroit will it cost the archbishop his cardinal’s hat? We have bad news for you, Archbishop Vigneron. We are coming to Detroit and the numbers are swelling. This is 21st century America and we will not be dismissed or silenced. Continue reading