today's reading are Jeremiah 20: 7-12 ; Psalm 18 and John 10: 31-42
The prophet Jeremiah in our 1st reading, with much concern, describes the machinations of those plotting to ruin him, as they were quite upset about truth of the prophecies God asked Jeremiah to share with the people and the rulers. 600 years later, Jesus could sigh and say to Jeremiah, "I know how you feel".
Jesus determines His fate over by openly blaspheming - blaspheming that is in the minds of His opponents - by claiming to be truly one with God. Jesus fully implies that He is God's Son, who has come to save the world. His works are the Father's works. And as a result, He will be “lifted up,” meaning both crucified and glorified. He will be the ultimate revelation of God’s unconditional love for a sinful world.
Today we have come to the point where "the board is set, and the pieces are beginning to move". The board is set for the great events of Holy Week. Come, let us worship.