These words, spoken by Job, arise from the depths of his pain and sorrow. The word vindicator is sometimes translated as redeemer or savior. But it originally meant “next of kin,” or (by extension) my closest relative or friend. It is the answer to the question: Whom can you call at 2:30 in the morning? Or, if you are in deep, serious trouble, who’s the first person you reach out to?
Hopefully, all of us can name someone, or several individuals, we think of in these terms. But later, in Isaiah and the Psalms, the word vindicator is used to speak of God. After all, when all human efforts have failed, God may be the only hope we have.
- Sr. Melannie Svoboda, S.N.D.
Prayers and blessings to you Rusty and Catherine and everyone else requesting prayers. Just turned 66 and still can’t fathom how deep God’s love for us is!
After the catastrophic event 9 months ago that changed the trajectory of my life forever, I have been blessed with a handful of people who have accepted me for who, what, and where I am now rather than who I was. This supportive band of merry men and women, including my 3 older sisters, my Christian counselor, my priest, and others, have listened to my joys and sorrows. As the return to my Catholic roots continues, I realize I have the entire universe including all the angels and saints I can call upon in times of need or share with great joys, especially my Vindicator.
Catherine, now is the time to ask your vindicator, Jesus Christ, to help you get through this ordeal!!!
So true, Amen.
Living faith family please keep my friend Terry in your prayers today she had a birthday 93rd this week. Yesterday I brought her tim bits [donut holes] Tomorrow I will try to get the morning Mass people to sign a card. I have Pam's greeting, signed. " From Russia with love" Couldn't get to mass this morning as doctor appointment got in way. Her house was filled with flowers and cards and neighbors took her out to lunch and breakfast She has no children but neices and nephews. With the world in conflict it pleasant to see people caring for her and also caring for the folks suffering from natural disasters. Ken
AMEN!
Upon reading this devotion, my son told me that 4 of 5 men in his Bible study group could name no such friends. I’ll bet four out of five women could name more than one.
Peace to everyone. Amen!
Sr. Melannie, thank you for this reflection and thanking God for the many vindicators in my life. Amen.
Lord please hear our prayers and bring your light to all those experiencing natural disasters, as well as those in Haiti, the Middle East, Ukraine, Russia, Darfur, the Sudan, in addition to all those suffering around the world - also for their strength, courage and resilience to continue walking in faith. Send them your light. Father in Heaven, have mercy on us and on the whole world! You sent Your Son, the Prince of Peace, for the salvation of the world. We pray that the Peace of Christ will reign in Haiti, the Middle East, Ukraine, Russia, Darfur and Sudan. Please protect and send aid to those in need and all who are at-risk. We pray for peace and rebuilding– we who are working towards it and for all those who are suffering or in danger from conflicts. We pray for an end to violence and war – we pray for wisdom for all leaders who have a hand in this. Lord God please help those in most need of thy mercy. Amen.
I know that God is My Vindicator & my ever source of help in times of trouble! I thank God for the Living Faith daily devotions! I ask for His buckets of graces to sustain me through a horrible divorce process just beginning after 37b years of marriage. My separated husband asked me for a divorce this past Christmas Eve. He also plead guilty to assaulting me. Please pray that for God's grace to sustain me through this giant storm in my life. Thank you & God bless Living Faith.
Oh, would that my words were written down! Would that they were inscribed in a record: That with an iron chisel and with lead they were cut in the rock forever! (I enjoy the irony in this statement.)
Job 19:25, “I know that my Redeemer lives. In the end He will stand on the earth!” *** The kinsman who redeems or vindicates a relative is illustrated most clearly in the book of Ruth, where the kinsman-redeemer is Boaz! Ruth 3:9, ““Who are you?” he (Boaz) asked. “I am your servant Ruth,” she replied. “Spread the corner of your covering over me, for you are my family redeemer.”” *** This foreshadowed the ultimate Redeemer Who was to come in Matthew 1:5-6, 16, “Salmon was the father of Boaz. Rahab was Boaz’s mother. Boaz was the father of Obed. Ruth was Obed’s mother. Obed was the father of Jesse. And Jesse was the father of King David. David was the father of Solomon. Solomon’s mother had been Uriah’s wife… Jacob was the father of Joseph. Joseph was the husband of Mary. And Mary was the mother of Jesus, Who is called the Messiah! *** “In the same way, the Lord Jesus Christ bought us for Himself, out of the curse, out of our destitution; made us His own beloved bride; and blessed us for all generations. He is the true kinsman-redeemer of all who call on Him in faith!” ******* My Redeemer Lives by Nicole C Mullen https://youtu.be/y8SIcb2j1kQ?si=wLUbg1J8cQIpd-Ip
Living Faith provides brief daily Catholic devotions based on one of the Mass readings of the day. Published new each quarter, these reflections are written by women and men from a variety of backgrounds - lay people as well as clergy and religious. Learn more.
Receive a free reflection for Sundays every week via email
About Living Faith Living Faith Foundation Ambassador Privacy Policy F.A.Q. Contact Us
© 2024 Creative Communications for the Parish, a division of Bayard, lnc. All Rights Reserved.
Adding Terry, Rusty and Catherine to my prayer list tonight.