Thursday of the Twenty-fifth Week in Ordinary Time
(Haggai 1:1-8; Luke 9:7-9)
The prophet Haggai preached in difficult economic
times. The exiles who returned from
Babylon were discouraged. Their hopes
for the sweet life anticipated in captivity were not being realized. When they received permission to recommence work
on the Temple from the Persian King Darius, some felt that reconstruction was
premature. They advised waiting until the
economy grew and prosperity returned.
In today’s reading Haggai declares otherwise. In typical prophetic fashion he sees the Lord
as the source of Israel’s well-being. He
proclaims making God the national priority by finishing the Temple where he
would be given daily thanks and praise.
Haggai’s lesson to Israel is important for us today. When in distress many take leave of the Lord, rather than go to Him. Or if they go and do not soon receive a positive response, they give up their quest. God has sent us Christ who warned his disciples that his way is not easy. But he also promised that it ends in glory.
No comments:
Post a Comment