Daily Retreat 09/24/07
2007 Sep 24 Mon
Ezr 1: 1-6/ Ps 125(126): 1b-2ab. 2cd-3. 4-5. 6/ Lk 8: 16-18
From today’s readings: “Therefore, whoever among you belongs to any part of His people, let him go up, and may his God be with him.... The Lord has done marvels for us.... There is nothing hidden that will not become visible, and nothing secret that will not be known and come to light.”
Homecoming
The Babylonian captivity and exile of the Jewish people lasted from 587 to 537 BC - fifty long, hard years. The book of Ezra begins with decree from Cyrus (so wonderful that it seemed like a dream come true!) that the exiles were free to return to Jerusalem (although they were still subject to Persian rule).
How wonderful it is to come home after a long, hard absence! And yet, this Jewish homecoming, so long anticipated, was not easy - they returned to demolished cities and wasted fields. The task of rebuilding was staggering and must have seemed impossible, even with the generous help from Cyrus. The books of Ezra and Nehemiah chronicle some crucial aspects of that return and rebuilding.
Two suggestions for reflection: read a history reference about the Babylonian exile to understand more about how crucial and formative was that event in Salvation History; or, consider the allegorical implications of how arduous is the task, even after leaving sin behind completely, of re-building a moral character after capitulation to destructive bad habits - staggeringly difficult, yes, but impossible, NO! (thanks to the grace of God!).
Ezr 1: 1-6/ Ps 125(126): 1b-2ab. 2cd-3. 4-5. 6/ Lk 8: 16-18
From today’s readings: “Therefore, whoever among you belongs to any part of His people, let him go up, and may his God be with him.... The Lord has done marvels for us.... There is nothing hidden that will not become visible, and nothing secret that will not be known and come to light.”
Homecoming
The Babylonian captivity and exile of the Jewish people lasted from 587 to 537 BC - fifty long, hard years. The book of Ezra begins with decree from Cyrus (so wonderful that it seemed like a dream come true!) that the exiles were free to return to Jerusalem (although they were still subject to Persian rule).
How wonderful it is to come home after a long, hard absence! And yet, this Jewish homecoming, so long anticipated, was not easy - they returned to demolished cities and wasted fields. The task of rebuilding was staggering and must have seemed impossible, even with the generous help from Cyrus. The books of Ezra and Nehemiah chronicle some crucial aspects of that return and rebuilding.
Two suggestions for reflection: read a history reference about the Babylonian exile to understand more about how crucial and formative was that event in Salvation History; or, consider the allegorical implications of how arduous is the task, even after leaving sin behind completely, of re-building a moral character after capitulation to destructive bad habits - staggeringly difficult, yes, but impossible, NO! (thanks to the grace of God!).
posted by FrPitstick | 9/21/2007
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