In today’s first reading, the prophet Jeremiah is going through an episode that is familiar to most of us - people speaking badly about us and trying to undermine any good that we do. Most of the time, we tend to lower ourselves to their level and engage in the battle!
Jeremiah takes the high road in this situation - reaffirming his faith and trust in God. While it doesn’t make the situation any better for him, it does keep him from adding his sins to the sins of the attackers. As behavioral psychologists will tell you; there are only three things we are able to control; what you Think, what you say and what you do. Jeremiah gives us a good example of how to do all three well.