In this weekend’s first reading, the princes of Judah conspire against the prophet Jeremiah and throw him into a cistern. A very weak king worried about other matters and easily influenced does nothing to save the prophet. One sole person Ebed-melech stands up for the prophet Jeremiah.  In his defense of the  prophet, he acknowledged the situation was dire but was not going to let an innocent person die as a  scapegoat.  Surprisingly, Jeremiah the prophet does not utter a single word as he starts to sink in mud. This whole scenario really questions our  response when there are difficulties in the life of the Church.  People react differently in times of  trial. True character is revealed.  What is our response when things are dire? The princes only wanted to find a scapegoat, some one to blame for the problems. The princes conspired against the one person trying to bring about a change. We could become that type of person and make the situation worse by our envy and bad will against the agent of change. The king was easily persuaded and lack determination. Also,  in the middle of the famine, he was distracted and lacked leadership.  We can  become that type of person and          focus on trivial things during time of trial and fail to assume leadership. Ebed-melech was one sole person who advocated for an innocent man. He was courageous and spoke with clarity against the group. We can become that type of person who stands for the truth even when it is not popular and to courageously defend an innocent life.  Finally, the prophet Jeremiah also gives a lesson on what to do when there are difficulties, when it seems the mud is up to the neck.  The prophet does not utter one word, for he knows he will be vindicated by God. We can become that type of person who waits  patiently on the Lord.  The prophet even while sinking in the mud, did not lose his composure and dignity.  When times are hard, and the problems are many, and the mud keeps piling up, know this is a test of  character.  We will eventually come out of the cistern, and we will be vindicated at last.