Thursday
of the Twenty-seventh Week in Ordinary Time
(Malachi 3:13-20b; Luke
11:5-13)
The Book of the Prophet Malachi has traditionally sat at
the end of the Old Testament. It was probably
composed during the difficult times after the return of the Jews from the
Babylonian exile. The author is actually
anonymous. “Malachi” just means “my messenger.”
Biblical experts suppose that the prophet preferred to go nameless because
of his harsh critique of Jerusalem’s priests and rulers.
Today’s passage from Malachi exposes the thinking of the
faithless and God’s promise to the faithful.
The faithless despair of the Law.
Not prospering after trying to keep it, they want to abandon it. Like the proud everywhere, they find little
if any need for God. However, God promises
that those who strive for justice will find salvation. It will feel like the comforting warmth of sunrays
on a winter day. Meanwhile, God
threatens the unjust with fire caused by the fierce sun of summer.
The prophecy has been fulfilled at least partially in
Jesus. He has brought comfort to the
suffering in many ways. He healed the
sick. Today Christians, the members of
his body, perform countless healings and acts of charity in his name. We may not heal physical maladies, but we can
provide spiritual comfort. By listening
attentively, speaking humbly, and acting graciously we contribute to the
spiritual well-being of the world.
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